What Are the Common Types of Craniosynostosis?

Discussion Usually when an infant is born the fontanelles and sutures remain open allowing the cranial bones the ability to move and undergo molding. This assists in delivery and molding from delivery usually resolves within hours to a few days. Positional plagiocephaly (also called deformational plagiocephaly) usually occurs after birth (usually in the first few weeks) due to mechanical factors including positioning of the infant’s head such that little repositioning occurs (i.e. bottle feeding only on same side, placement in crib on same side, placement always on infant’s back with no prone placement, etc.). The cranial sutures all remain open but the cranium is deformed. There usually is a parallelogram skull shape when observed from above caused by flattening of the affected occiput and anterior displacement of the ipsilateral ear and facial structures. Artificial molding of infants’ heads has been occurring within different global cultures for thousands of years. Archeologists believe that the practice may occur for multiple reasons including protection of the infant’s head possibly increasing survival, as social status symbol, and/or to differentiate in-group members from non-members. Various methods were used including wrapping the head in cloth or other binding material or using a cradleboard (a protective baby carrier) or another similar device. Pressure is exerted on the infant’s head from a few weeks of age, then continued for sever...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news