Craniosynostosis

The premature closure of one or more of the joints (sutures) between the curved, flattened bones of the skull in infants. If all the joints are involved, the growing infant’s brain may be compressed and there is a risk of brain damage from pressure inside the skull. If the abnormality is localized, the head may be deformed. Craniosynostosis may occur before birth and, in some cases, is associated with other birth defects. It may also occur in an otherwise healthy baby, or in a baby affected by a disorder such as rickets. If the brain is compressed, an operation may be performed to separate the fused skull bones.