[Surgery for craniosynostosis: timing and technique]

Craniosynostoses are a group of diseases, the presentation of which differs markedly on account of the cranial suture involved. Their impact is cosmetic, cerebral, and ophthalmologic. Syndromic craniosynostoses associate a more or less pronounced faciostenosis, which requires surgical correction as well, because of cosmetic, ophthalmologic or airway problems. Surgical treatment depends on the type of the craniosynostosis and the patient's age; ideally, the child should be operated between 3 and 12 months. This surgery requires a perfect collaboration between neurosurgeon, plastic surgeon, and anaesthesiologist. Surgical correction allows in large measures the preservation of intellect, sight, and body image.