Craniosynostosis and craniofacial differences

Craniosynostosis is the early fusion of the joints of the skull bones, called sutures.  If a child develops this early fusion, it can cause head shape changes, facial changes, and can restrict brain growth or cause increased pressure on the developing brain.  The timeline for treating craniosynostosis with surgery can be quite early in life (as early as 3 months) so if you have concerns about your child’s head shape, it is important to have these evaluated early.  The majority of children with head shape differences have a common problem related to sleep position (positional plagiocephaly) that is not treated with surgery.  Your pediatrician can help identify a concerning head shape, or feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our offices below.   

 

Children can also be born with malformations of the skull, eye sockets (orbit), upper jaw (maxilla) or lower jaw (mandible).  These problems may be related to craniofacial syndromes, or may exist in isolation.  

 

The repair of these complex issues should be customized to each individual patient.  Dr. Purnell is trained in the most recent techniques for treatment of craniosynostosis and craniofacial differences, including craniofacial distraction osteogenesis, cranial vault remodeling, and custom virtually planned facial osteotomies.

 

A TEAM APPROACH is critical to the care of these complex problems. Dr. Purnell is a member of two American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association-approved teams in Chicago. These teams include all of the specialists that your child will need throughout life, including craniofacial plastic surgery, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, speech and language pathologists, psychologists, orthodontists, and dentists.  It is important that all of these specialists create a plan together to ensure the best care for your child.  

 

If you would like to schedule an appointment or have questions related to craniosynostosis or craniofacial differences, please follow the links below: