What can you tell me about metopic synostosis? What happens if it's not corrected in infancy?
Full-term infants are born with well-formed skull bones separated by joints (sutures). These joints close (fuse) at different times in a child's development. Joints that close prematurely — a condition called craniosynostosis, or synostosis — can result in an abnormal head shape and may affect brain growth. Metopic synostosis is the premature fusing of the metopic suture, which is in the forehead. This results in a pointed forehead.
The exact cause of metopic synostosis isn't known. But in some cases, it is inherited. Signs and symptoms of metopic synostosis include:
A doctor may make a diagnosis by:
Treatment of metopic synostosis typically involves surgery in infancy to separate the fused bones. This allows the brain adequate space to grow and develop. In many cases, children with only one suture involved need only one surgical procedure.
If untreated in infancy, metopic synostosis may lead to:
Metopic synostosis is the premature fusing of the metopic suture, which is in the forehead. This results in a pointed forehead.
Last Updated: 02/06/2006
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