Fundamentals of Non-Syndromic Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of skull or base of the skull sutures, restricting brain growth and predisposing for elevated intracranial pressure. They can be associated to a syndrome or non-syndromic. Non-syndromic craniosynostosis can be further classified by the affected suture. The evaluation of the patients must be multidisciplinary focusing on increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which can be assessed with different methods. Imaging studies confirm the fusion of the suture and allow the evaluation of the intracranial organs. The surgical treatment goal is to treat or prevent ICP, and each non-syndromic craniosynostosis has its preferred technique for treatment: elimination of the affected suture or vault remodelation. The timing to perform surgery is yet to be stablished, early or late surgery has its own advantages and disadvantages.