[Premature craniosynostosis. Diagnosis and treatment]

The incidence of premature craniosynostosis is 1:2000-1:4000. Ninety percent of these are simple synostosis with premature closure of one or more of the cranial sutures causing reduced or arrested growth perpendicular to the closed suture(s). Ten percent are more complex craniofacial syndromes, where hypoplasia of the maxilla is also of importance to the development of the orbits. The reduced intracranial volume may result in an increased intracranial pressure and is a contributing factor to the rather high frequency of mental retardation seen in patients with premature craniosynostosis. Early correction is necessary in order to achieve a satisfactory cosmetic result as well as prevention of secondary damage to the brain. Craniofacial syndromes with facial hypoplasia require a staged multi-disciplinary treatment. Patients with simple craniosynostosis have to be treated within the first six months after birth.