Understanding Synostosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Synostosis is a condition where two or more bones in the skull fuse together too early, before the bones have reached their full growth potential. This can cause a variety of problems, including:

* Skull deformities: The fusion of the bones can cause the skull to become misshapen or uneven, leading to a condition known as craniosynostosis.
* Increased intracranial pressure: When the skull is unable to expand properly, it can lead to increased pressure inside the skull, which can cause a variety of symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
* Vision problems: The fusion of the bones can also affect the position of the eyes and the shape of the orbits, leading to vision problems such as double vision, blurred vision, or difficulty looking upwards.
* Hearing loss: In some cases, synostosis can cause hearing loss due to the fusion of the bones affecting the middle ear.

Synostosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, premature birth, and certain medical conditions such as craniosynostosis syndrome. Treatment for synostosis typically involves surgery to separate the fused bones and allow the skull to grow properly. In some cases, additional procedures such as the use of a distracter device or the removal of excess bone may be necessary.