Skull deformities, which include types such as plagiocephaly, scaphocephaly, and brachycephaly, occur before or after birth due to various reasons. Skull deformity refers to irregularities, flatness, and asymmetrical deformities in this region.

One of the most common problems in infants is skull deformity, which is caused by constantly lying on the same side. Therefore, babies should not always be placed in the same position. Early diagnosis is crucial for this syndrome; if treatment is delayed, permanent damage can occur. The most common problem in newborns is flat head syndrome, or plagiocephaly.

What Causes Skull Deformity?

Several factors can cause skull deformity. These factors can be listed as follows:

Congenital causes
Trauma
Sleeping in the same position continuously during infancy
Twin babies
Male gender
Premature birth
Difficult birth
Sitting in a stroller for a long time

Treatment of Cranial Curvature

Treatment of craniosynostosis is performed in infancy with skull reshaping applications using different materials. However, in delayed treatments, and in treatments where shunt treatment is not effective, craniosynostosis is resorted to. Cranial aesthetics is generally a treatment method applied to adults. Before this treatment process, the patient undergoes a detailed examination. The location and severity of the craniosynostosis are evaluated and a treatment plan is made. Cranial curvatures evaluated with 3D imaging techniques can be repaired with surgical methods.

Cranial deformities are called craniosynostosis in medical terminology. While the head length in an adult is 1/8 of the body, in a newborn baby it is 1/3. Brain volume increases threefold in the first year. This increases exponentially in each age group. During this period of rapid growth, the skull bones must rapidly expand to make room for the brain. If this expansion does not occur, skull deformities develop. The brain and eyes begin to be damaged between the bones. Surgical intervention is necessary as soon as possible to restore health.

The bones in the skull touch each other, acting as growth centers within the skull. These bone lines are also present in newborn babies. On the other hand, the growth of the brain and eyeballs pushes the skull bones outwards, causing both curvature and brain enlargement. Diagnosis of skull deformities involves a clinical examination, as well as a thorough family history, including CT scans and MRIs. Since genetic structure within the family is extremely important in this condition, a detailed investigation is necessary. Treatment of skull deformities and curvatures requires teamwork above all else. This team must include a plastic surgeon, neurosurgeon, orthodontist, radiologist, geneticist, ENT specialist, anesthesiologist, physical therapist, speech therapist, and psychologist.

How is the Decision for Surgery Made in Skull Deformity Treatment?

In the treatment of cranial deformities, the primary goal of the surgical approach is to treat the deformity as quickly as possible, especially in children, without causing psychological distress. Since growth is rapid in these cases, the decision for surgery must be made and implemented quickly. The earlier the procedure is performed, the more satisfactory the results.

Timing in Cranial Curvature Treatment

If the problem recurs in infancy, the compression of the brain and the back of the head are examined, and preparations for surgery begin. This procedure should be performed before the brain is severely compressed. Because brain development is very rapid in the first three years, performing the procedure at a younger age is much more beneficial. This condition can recur despite surgical intervention, therefore a CT scan is requested every year.

Cyclic Curvature Treatment in Adults

In adults, surgical intervention is necessary because the skull bones harden. After anesthesia, prostheses are inserted through an incision in the scalp. Pain in the area after surgery is a natural process. The duration of the surgery varies depending on the degree of curvature.

Treatment of Cranial Deformity in Infants

Cranial deformities and shape abnormalities in infants can sometimes be treated with special headpieces without surgical intervention. In some cases, a suitable material is placed in the skull and allowed to fuse with the bone.

1- Cranial deformities are a condition that absolutely requires prompt treatment.

2- Cranial deformities can be present in the womb or at birth.

3- Genetic predisposition in the family should be investigated in these cases.

4- If cranial deformity is not treated, brain compression can occur.

5- Cranial deformities are clarified after clinical treatment and ultrasounds.

Cranial deformities and accompanying shape abnormalities can be present in the womb or at birth.