Craniosynostosis surgery in Park Cities, TX

Craniosynostosis can have a profound impact on the normal and healthy development of a child. At the International Craniofacial Institute, which has been considered a world leader in craniofacial problems since 1971, we utilize the most advanced medical technology and procedures to ensure a high success rate when treating children in Park Cities, TX, who suffer from craniosynostosis.

What Is Craniosynostosis?

The skull of an infant is made up of several bones that are attached together by sutures instead of being fused. These typically stay open during development to allow for brain and skull growth. After the brain and skull stop growing in adulthood, the bones fuse together and become solid. If the sutures fuse too early, the brain and head are unable to grow normally. This is known as craniosynostosis.

This condition can happen with just one suture, several sutures or all of them. The degree of deviation from a “normal” head shape is dependent upon the sutures affected, which restricts the growth of the brain in that area. The brain will grow in the direction where resistance is least. If the normal path is hindered, it will result in an abnormal skull shape.

What Are the Categories of Craniosynostosis?

There are five types of craniosynostosis categorized by which sutures are affected:

• Coronal Synostosis
• Multiple Suture Synostosis
• Lambdoidal Synostosis
• Metopic Synostosis
• Sagittal Synostosis

Craniosynostosis Treatment

In children born with craniofacial abnormalities, we look at a variety of factors in order to help us select the most beneficial plan of treatment. We study the way the problem is impacting the child’s underlying functions and head structures, including the central nervous system, cervical (neck) bones of the spine, facial skeleton and brain. In children with related facial skeletal abnormalities, we carefully determine if changes have occurred to the soft tissues of the mouth, pharynx and face. It’s essential to quickly discover if and how craniosynostosis may be impacting important functions like swallowing, speech and breathing, so we can begin the proper treatment in a timely manner.

If your child or another loved one suffers from craniosynostosis, cleft palate or lip, a craniofacial problem or a genetic syndrome, please contact the International Craniofacial Institute today to schedule an appointment and find out what options are available to you.