Thursday 13 September 2012

WOTD: Craniosynostosis


An x-ray view of craniosynostosis. Photograph: emedicine.medscape.com

"Craniosynostosis" - The premature closure of one or more of the joints (sutures) between the curved, flattened bones of the skull in infants. If all the joints are involved, the growing infant's brain may be compressed and there is a risk of brain damage from pressure inside the skull. If the abnormality is localised, the head may be deformed. Craniosynostosis may occur before birth and, in some cases is associated with other birth defects. It may also occur in an otherwise healthy baby, or in a baby affected by a disorder such as rickets. If the brain is compressed, an operation may be performed to separate the fused skull bones.

"craniosynostosis". British Medical Association (2007). Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 2nd ed. London: Dorling Kindersley (DK). p151.

No comments:

Post a Comment