A few days ago we commented that the usual age at which the major or superior fontanelle is usually closed is between 12 and 18 months. However, a premature closure of the fontanelles, a disorder known as "craniosynostosis" ('closure of the skull') and which consists of an ossification of the fontanel or fontanelles before the growth of the brain, cerebellum and spinal bulb ends.
Premature closure of one, several or all sutures results in narrowing of the skull and they involve alterations in the volume or morphology of the skull and face. The content of the skull, when growing, is compressed, which is a serious problem.
On some occasions, craniosynostosis involves clinical and brain function disorders (vomiting, headache, possible cranial hypertension, ocular complications such as strabismus, blindness, neurological deficits such as mental retardation ...). If a premature closure is suspected, the head circumference measurement should be monitored.
If this perimeter stops, it is a sign that the organs that make up the central nervous system will be compressed. The treatment will vary depending on the type and problems it entails. It will almost always be surgical, whether aesthetic improvements are sought or if it tries to avoid the serious complications that some of the forms of craniosynostosis entail.
The origin of craniosynostosis is little known. Sometimes they are hereditary (various diseases in which craniosynostosis is associated with multiple malformations such as Crouzon syndrome or Apert's syndrome) but, as a rule, they are sporadic and, therefore, no history of similar cases is found in the family of the affected child.
