What You Should Know About Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis requires evaluation by specialists, such as a Pediatric Neurosurgeon or a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Diagnosis of craniosynostosis may include a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of our baby's skull to show whether any sutures have fused. Cranial ultrasound imaging may also be used. Fused sutures are identifiable by their absence because they are invisible once fused, or by the ridging of the suture line. A laser scan and photographs are used to make precise measurements of the skull shape.

 

Mild cases of craniosynostosis may not need treatment. Your doctor may recommend a specifically molded helmet to help reshape your baby's head if the cranial sutures are open and the head shape is abnormal. In this situation, the molded infant helmet New York can assist our baby's brain growth and correct the shape of the skull.However, for most babies, surgery is the primary treatment. The type and timing of surgery depend on the type of craniosynostosis and whether there is an underlying genetic syndrome. Sometimes more than one surgery is required.

 

The purpose of surgery is to correct the abnormal head shape, reduce or prevent pressure on the brain, create room for the brain to grow normally, and improve our baby's appearance. This involves a process of planning and surgery.

 

Imaging studies can help surgeons develop a surgical procedure plan specifically for your child. Virtual surgical planning for treatment of craniosynostosis treatment in New York uses high-definition 3D CT scans and MRIs of our baby's skull to construct a computer-simulated, individualized surgical plan. Based on the surgical plan, customized templates are constructed to guide the procedure. See the following website for more details. www.shorthillscranialcenter.com.