SAGITTAL SYNOSTOSIS

Sagittal synostosis comprises a spectrum of deformities caused by prem ature fusion of the sagittal suture. The treatment of sagittal synosto sis is dependent on the age of the patient and the characteristics of the presenting deformity. Immediate correction of the scaphocephalic d eformity is the goal of operative treatment. The operative procedures proposed involve whole-vault cranial reshaping, active shortening of t he anteroposterior axis, and widening of the mediolateral dimension of the skull leading to a more normal, ''rounded'' skull shape.