Cranial and facial deformities in children

If these anomalies of the skull are surgically treated in the first year of life, a child can have a good chance of leading a normal life with a normal appearance. Even with other craniofacial deformities, the prognosis improves considerably when treated early. This is one highlight from experts at the 68th Annual Meeting of the German Society of Neurosurgery (DGNC). The congress took place from May 14-17 in Magdeburg.

Craniosynostosis is a premature ossification of one or more cranial sutures, resulting in an abnormal skull shape. Craniosynostoses may be inherited or can arise with no known cause. The disease occurs in about one of every 1,000-2,000 newborns. “The earlier a child is referred for medical assessment and surgery, the better the chances for an excellent result”, says Frederick Boop, head of pediatric neurosurgery at the Semmes-Murphey Clinic in Memphis (USA). “When surgeries are undertaken during the first months of life, excellent results can be achieved using minimally invasive procedures – with less blood loss, reduced hospital costs and lower risk.”