What is Scaphocephaly (Sagittal Craniosynostosis)?

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Deepak Arisikere Nataraju , Neurosurgeons

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Scaphocephaly is also known as Sagittal Craniosynostosis. This is a condition that affects the shape of a baby's head. It happens when one of the soft joints in a baby's skull, called a suture, closes earlier than it should. This suture runs from the front to the back of the head. When it closes too soon, it doesn't leave enough room for the head to grow normally, which causes the head to become longer and narrower than usual.

Your baby's skull is made up of several bones with small gaps between them called sutures. These sutures are important because they allow the skull to expand as your baby's brain grows.

In scaphocephaly, the sagittal suture, which runs from the front to the back of the head, closes too soon. This limits growth on the sides of the head, causing it to grow more in length. This condition usually develops before or shortly after birth. It's a type of craniosynostosis, a group of conditions where the bones in a baby's skull join together too early.

Most babies with scaphocephaly are healthy, but the unusual head shape may be noticeable. In some cases, it can also affect brain development if not treated early.

Here's what you should know:

If you notice your baby's head looking unusually long or shaped differently, don't panic, but do check with a pediatrician or craniofacial specialist. With the right treatment, most children go on to grow and develop just like any other child.

What Are the Symptoms of Scaphocephaly?

Scaphocephaly (pronounced ska-foh-SEH-fuh-lee) is a condition where a baby's head grows into a long and narrow shape. It's one of the most common types of craniosynostosis. Most parents notice it within the first few months of life, usually when the baby's head looks unusually shaped.

The Symptoms of Scaphocephaly are mostly physical and can be seen by looking at the baby's head from different angles. While the condition is often noticed because of the shape, in some cases, it may also lead to pressure inside the head if not treated early.

Here are the most common signs of Scaphocephaly to look out for:

Visible Symptoms

Other Possible Symptoms (in rare or severe cases)

If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to speak with a pediatrician or specialist early.

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What Are the Causes of Scaphocephaly?

Scaphocephaly is a condition where a baby's head becomes longer and narrower than usual. This happens when one of the bones in the skull, usually the sagittal suture, closes too early. Normally, a baby's skull bones stay open during early growth so the brain can grow properly. But if one bone closes too soon, it can affect the shape of the head.

While the exact cause of Scaphocephaly isn't always clear, a few known factors may lead to scaphocephaly:

Possible Reasons for Scaphocephaly:

It's important to remember that scaphocephaly is not caused by anything a parent did or didn't do during pregnancy. Early diagnosis helps doctors decide if treatment is needed to correct the shape of the head and support brain growth.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Scaphocephaly?

Some babies are more likely to develop scaphocephaly based on certain conditions or family history. Risk factors don't always mean a baby will have it, but they can raise the chances. Knowing about these can help with early detection and care.

Common Risk Factors Include:

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How is Scaphocephaly Diagnosed?

Diagnosing scaphocephaly starts with a careful look at your baby's head shape. It's one of the types of craniosynostosis, where a baby's skull bones join too early. In scaphocephaly, the head looks long and narrow from front to back, and this is often the first clue.

Doctors usually begin with a physical examination. They will gently feel the baby's skull, check the soft spots (fontanelles), and look at how the head is growing over time. The doctor may ask about your baby's birth history, development, and whether anyone in the family has had a similar condition.

If the head shape seems unusual or is changing quickly, the doctor may recommend further tests. These help confirm whether a skull bone has closed too early and rule out other causes of abnormal head shape.

Important Tests for Diagnosing Scaphocephaly

Once a doctor suspects scaphocephaly, they may suggest imaging tests to see what's happening inside the skull. These tests are safe and help doctors confirm if a skull bone has fused too early and how it's affecting brain growth.

One of the most common tests is a CT scan (Computed Tomography). It gives a detailed 3D picture of your baby's skull. This allows doctors to see exactly which suture (skull joint) has closed and to what extent. It also helps them plan surgery if needed.

In some cases, an X-ray of the head may be done first, especially if the signs are very clear. If surgery is being considered, a CT scan with 3D reconstruction is often used.

These tests help doctors understand the condition fully and choose the safest, most effective treatment plan for your baby.

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How Is Scaphocephaly Treated?

Scaphocephaly is treated mainly through surgery, especially when diagnosed early. The main goal of treatment is to correct the shape of the baby's head and allow the brain to grow properly.

Since scaphocephaly is caused by the early closing of one of the skull sutures (called the sagittal suture), surgery helps by opening that fused area to give the skull room to grow evenly.

Doctors usually recommend surgery within the first year of life, often between 3 and 6 months of age, depending on the child's health and skull shape.

Surgery not only improves appearance but also reduces pressure on the brain and lowers the chance of future developmental problems.

It's important to talk with your child's surgeon to understand which approach is best for your child's unique condition.

Scaphocephaly Surgery Options

There are a few types of surgeries used to treat scaphocephaly, depending on the child's age, skull shape, and medical condition. Each one is aimed at correcting the shape of the head and supporting healthy brain growth.

Strip Craniectomy (Endoscopic Surgery)

This is a minimally invasive surgery often done in babies younger than 6 months. A small section of the fused skull bone is removed using a tiny camera and tools.

Spring-Assisted Surgery

This is another less-invasive option. After removing a strip of bone, tiny metal springs are placed inside the skull. These springs gently widen the skull over time and are later removed in a second short surgery.

Cranial Vault Remodeling (Open Surgery)

This is a more detailed surgery done in older babies (usually after 6 months). The surgeon reshapes larger parts of the skull for a more even look.

Your doctor will guide you on the best choice based on your baby's age and head shape. All these surgeries are done with care and precision to ensure the best outcome for your child.

What Are the Scaphocephaly Surgery Risks?

While surgery for scaphocephaly is generally safe and often very effective, like any medical procedure, it comes with some risks. It's natural to feel nervous, but understanding the possible concerns can help you make informed decisions.

Common risks include:

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When to See a Doctor for Scaphocephaly?

If you notice that your baby's head looks longer or narrower than usual from front to back, it might be scaphocephaly, a condition caused by the early closing of one of the skull bones.

While some babies may have slightly different head shapes that are harmless, it's important to know when medical attention is needed.

See a doctor if you notice:

Early diagnosis helps doctors plan the right care, whether it's simple observation or surgery to allow proper skull growth. It's always okay to ask your healthcare provider, even if you're unsure. It's better to be safe and get the reassurance you need.

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What Is the Recovery Process After Scaphocephaly Treatment?

Recovering from scaphocephaly surgery takes time, but with the right care and support, most children heal well and grow up without any major issues. After the surgery, your child may stay in the hospital for a few days so doctors can monitor healing. Pain and swelling are normal at first, but they get better in a week or two.

You'll be given clear instructions on how to care for the incision area at home and when to return for check-ups. Over time, your child's head shape will improve, and developmental milestones usually continue as expected.

What to Expect During Recovery:

Most children recover fully and enjoy a healthy, active childhood.

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What Precautions Can Help Prevent Scaphocephaly?

Scaphocephaly is often caused by early fusion of skull bones, which isn't something parents can always prevent. However, early detection and proper care can help reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes after treatment.

Helpful Prevention and Care Tips:

What Are Its Possible Complications?

Treating scaphocephaly early helps avoid these issues and gives your child the best chance at normal growth and development.

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Our Experience in Treating Scaphocephaly

At Medicover Hospitals, we understand how worrying it can be for parents to hear that their child has scaphocephaly. This condition causes a baby's head to grow in a long and narrow shape due to early fusion of skull bones. The good news is that with timely care and the right treatment, your child can recover well and grow up healthy.

Our team of pediatric surgeons and neurospecialists have handled many cases like this with great success. We focus on early diagnosis, gentle care, and personalised surgical planning to ensure safe outcomes.

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