Craniosynostosis - Phenotype

Phenotype

Children born with craniosynostosis have a distinct appearance, otherwise known as the phenotype. The features of the phenotype are determined by which particular suture is closed. The fusion of this suture causes a certain change in the shape of the skull; a deformity of the skull.

Virchow’s law dictates that, when premature suture closure occurs, growth of the skull is typically restricted perpendicular to the fused suture and enhanced in a plane parallel to it, thus trying to provide space for the fast growing brain. Using this law, the pattern of skull deformity in craniosynostosis can often be predicted.