Craniosynostosis, premature closure of the cranial sutures, may result in an abnormal head shape. Depending upon which suture is affected, a variety of abnormal growth patterns occur, the head may be abnormally elongated and narrow, as in closure of the sagittal suture or skewed as in unilateral coronal or lambdoid synostosis.

Craniosynostosis may be an isolated condition, or occur in the setting of a genetic syndrome with involvement of the face or other areas. Cases involving the skull alone are evaluated and treated within the division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at NYU. Craniofacial syndromes, those cases with significant involvement of the face and orbits are treated, with participation of the pediatric neurosurgery division, through the Craniofacial Center at NYU.