Paediatric Neurosurgery - Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis occurs when the bones of the skull fuse prematurely in young children, resultng in an abnormally shaped skull. Depending on the severity of the condition, surgery may be able to correct the deformity. Surgery is usually done for cosmetic reasons, although in some cases of craniosynostosis, when more than one suture has fused, surgery is done to prevent increased pressure in the brain. All children are evaluated by the craniofacial team, which comprises a pediatric neurosurgeon, a craniofacial plastic surgeon, and, where indicated, an ophthalmologist and a geneticist.

The most common reason for referral is positional plagiocephaly, also known as benign positional moulding. Most cases of positional plagiocephaly are treated conservatively, with a specially designed moulding helmet.