Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis: diagnosis and contemporary surgical management

Contemporary surgical management of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis requires the combined expertise of a pediatric craniofacial surgeon and pediatric neurosurgeon. The goals of surgical intervention are the release of the affected suture, which allows for unrestricted development of the visceral components (eg, brain, eyes) and three-dimensional reconstruction of the skeletal components, which establishes a more normal anatomic position and contour. Surgeon who care for infants with these cranial and orbital malformations must maintain a thorough understanding of the three-dimensional anatomy, characteristic dysmorphology associated with the different types of synostosis, and the complex interplay that exists between surgical intervention and ongoing skeletal growth.