[Synostosic and non-synostosic cranial deformities]

Abstract

In the last decades alterations in the skull shape have increased at the expense of plagiocephaly, as consequence of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations to sleep the infant in the supine position. The clinician must differentiate between positional plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis, since if a cranial synostosis is proven, the therapeutic behavior will be potentially neurosurgical. Although three-dimensional skull tomography with bone window is the study of greater sensitivity and diagnostic specificity, the majority of cases can be confirmed by the clinic, reserving the radiography or ultrasound with a suture approach for doubtful cases. Craniosynostosis must be early referral to a craniofacial team to define the indication, opportunity and most appropriate surgical technique, in order to avoid future neurocognitive and psychosocial complications. Children with positional plagiocephaly regardless of the treatment of cranial deformity may have a higher risk of motor development delay. For correction, repositioning and physiotherapy are suggested in mild to moderate forms, reserving the use of cranial orthesis in severe forms.

Keywords: craniosynostosis; plagiocephaly; positional.