Jared's Cranial Surgery
Donation protected
Background
Last July Jared was diagnosed with saggital suture craniosynostosis (kray-nee-o-sin-os-TOE-sis). Craniosynostosis is the premature fusing of the skull bones. Treating craniosynostosis involves surgery to correct the shape of the head and allow for normal brain growth. Because the brain grows quickly in the first two years of life, it is important that the skull bones remain open.
Figure (a) shows the normal skull of a baby, whereas figure (b) shows a baby with saggital synostosis.
Impact
Craniosynostosis interferes with normal growth of the brain and skull. When the sutures close too early, the baby's skull and brain won't grow correctly. As Jared gets older, his brain continues to expand toward the open sutures, causing an elongated shape to his head. If left untreated, this can lead to increased pressure in the skull, brain swelling, and even brain damage and developmental delays.
Surgery
The surgery that we felt was the best option for Jared involves cranio vault reconstruction. The surgeon will make an incision in the scalp and cranial bones, then reshape the affected portion of the skull. The skull position is held in place with plates and screws that are absorbable as needed.
Last July Jared was diagnosed with saggital suture craniosynostosis (kray-nee-o-sin-os-TOE-sis). Craniosynostosis is the premature fusing of the skull bones. Treating craniosynostosis involves surgery to correct the shape of the head and allow for normal brain growth. Because the brain grows quickly in the first two years of life, it is important that the skull bones remain open.
Figure (a) shows the normal skull of a baby, whereas figure (b) shows a baby with saggital synostosis.Impact
Craniosynostosis interferes with normal growth of the brain and skull. When the sutures close too early, the baby's skull and brain won't grow correctly. As Jared gets older, his brain continues to expand toward the open sutures, causing an elongated shape to his head. If left untreated, this can lead to increased pressure in the skull, brain swelling, and even brain damage and developmental delays.
Surgery
The surgery that we felt was the best option for Jared involves cranio vault reconstruction. The surgeon will make an incision in the scalp and cranial bones, then reshape the affected portion of the skull. The skull position is held in place with plates and screws that are absorbable as needed.
Organizer and beneficiary
Dean Treuhaft
Organizer
Aurora, IL
Marianne Treuhaft
Beneficiary