Diagnosis and Treatment of Craniosynostosis : Current Status and Problems

Abstract

  Craniosynostosis with early closure of skull sutures is categorized either as simple or as syndromic if present with other congenital anomalies such as midface hypoplasia, syndactyly, or joint contractures. Some children have a single affected suture, whereas some have multiple affected sutures. Skull shape varies depending on the affected sutures and the treatment needs to be done in the period of skull growth, which depends on age and skull shape. No consensus has been established for treatment decisions. New less invasive treatment methods such as distraction osteogenesis and molding helmets have been developed, but unsolved problems continue to be present. Here we discuss chronological changes in treatment methods, current status and problems, treatment algorithms, and research strategies for pathophysiology and prevention.