Sagittal synostosis is a rare condition where the sagittal suture on a newborn’s head closes prematurely, resulting in an elongated head shape. Surgery can correct the condition, but there is a risk of complications, including compound synostosis. Children with the condition are just as intelligent as those without, but may experience social and emotional problems.
Sagittal synostosis is premature closure of the sagittal suture in newborns. The sagittal suture is the weak point on the top of a child’s head, between the left and right sides of the skull. When this part closes, growth of the baby’s head from the sides is made impossible. The head can only grow from front to back, resulting in a narrow, elongated head that takes on an oblong shape.
Sagittal synostosis is a very rare condition, affecting about one in 6,000 babies. The chances that the condition is hereditary are between two and six in 100. Sagittal synostosis surgery may be performed to correct the condition, during which a strip of bone is removed from the top of the skull, leaving room for the bone to grow properly. Repair of sagittal synostosis may also involve remodeling of the skull, in which the forehead is tilted back and the size of the skull is reduced. The bones are then fixed with wires, while the spaces between the bones are deliberately left free to avoid growth restrictions.
Scaphocephaly sagittal synostosis is a medical term that refers to the unnatural growth from the bulge in the front and back of the baby’s head. It is called scaphocephaly because of the boat shape that the skull maintains as a result. Sagittal suture synostosis is the most common type of sagittal craniosynostosis. Children who develop sagittal synostosis are just as intelligent as those who were never diagnosed, although social and emotional problems may result from the unnatural characteristics they retained as children.
Cranial sagittal synostosis is not a fatal disease, and surgical or remodeling methods usually correct the problem with minimal risk to the child. If the baby is born with other medical conditions or closed stitches, there is a higher chance of complications and health problems. These can include increased blood pressure and decreased blood flow to the brain.
A possible complication of sagittal synostosis surgery is compound synostosis. This involves closing multiple stitches during surgery and putting heavy pressure on certain parts of the baby’s body, which can negatively affect the baby’s breathing, hearing, and vision. After surgery, bandages and tubes will need to remain covering your child’s head for a few weeks until he or she recovers. Your child may become frightened and confused during the procedure, so bringing toys or familiar distractions is a good idea.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
