Scaphocephaly

Changed by Mina Sameh Rizk, 4 Aug 2023
Disclosures - updated 28 Nov 2022: Nothing to disclose

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Scaphocephaly (also known as dolichocephaly) is the most common form of craniosynostosis, where premature closure of the sagittal suture results in an impediment to the lateral growth of the skull while anteroposterior growth continues, producing a classic elongated, yet narrow, skull. 

Epidemiology

Scaphocephaly accounts for approximately 50% of all cases of craniosynostosis and has a male predilection with an M:F ratio of 3:1.

Associations

Pathology

Scaphocephaly, results from premature closure of the sagittal suture, so that lateral growth of the skull is prevented whilst anteroposterior growth continues, producing a narrow and elongated cranium. 

Aetiology
  • primary
  • secondary
    • haematologic disorders
    • metabolic disorders
    • bone dysplasias
    • syndromes

Treatment and prognosis

Treatment is often with a cranioplasty. In contrast to other craniosynostoses, there is near normal IQ and no hydrocephalus.

History and etymology

The term is derived from the Ancient Greek words "skaphe" meaning a light boat and "kephale" meaning head and describes an elongated head resembling an inverted boat.

  • -<p><strong>Scaphocephaly</strong> (also known as <strong>dolichocephaly</strong>) is the most common form of <a href="/articles/craniosynostosis">craniosynostosis</a>, where premature closure of the <a href="/articles/sagittal-suture">sagittal suture</a> results in an impediment to the lateral growth of the skull while anteroposterior growth continues, producing a classic elongated, yet narrow, skull. </p><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>Scaphocephaly accounts for approximately 50% of all cases of <a href="/articles/craniosynostosis">craniosynostosis</a> and has a male predilection with an M:F ratio of 3:1.</p><h5>Associations</h5><ul><li><a href="/articles/marfan-syndrome">Marfan syndrome</a></li></ul><h4>Pathology</h4><p>Scaphocephaly, results from premature closure of the <a href="/articles/sagittal-suture">sagittal suture</a>, so that lateral growth of the skull is prevented whilst anteroposterior growth continues, producing a narrow and elongated cranium. </p><h5>Aetiology</h5><ul>
  • -<li>primary</li>
  • -<li>secondary<ul>
  • -<li>haematologic disorders</li>
  • -<li>metabolic disorders</li>
  • -<li>bone dysplasias</li>
  • -<li>syndromes</li>
  • -</ul>
  • -</li>
  • +<p><strong>Scaphocephaly</strong> (also known as <strong>dolichocephaly</strong>) is the most common form of <a href="/articles/craniosynostosis">craniosynostosis</a>, where premature closure of the <a href="/articles/sagittal-suture">sagittal suture</a> results in an impediment to the lateral growth of the skull while anteroposterior growth continues, producing a classic elongated, yet narrow, skull. </p><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>Scaphocephaly accounts for approximately 50% of all cases of <a href="/articles/craniosynostosis">craniosynostosis</a> and has a male predilection with an M:F ratio of 3:1.</p><h5>Associations</h5><ul><li><a href="/articles/marfan-syndrome">Marfan syndrome</a></li></ul><h4>Pathology</h4><p>Scaphocephaly, results from premature closure of the <a href="/articles/sagittal-suture">sagittal suture</a>, so that lateral growth of the skull is prevented whilst anteroposterior growth continues, producing a narrow and elongated cranium. </p><h5>Aetiology</h5><ul>
  • +<li>primary</li>
  • +<li>secondary<ul>
  • +<li>haematologic disorders</li>
  • +<li>metabolic disorders</li>
  • +<li>bone dysplasias</li>
  • +<li>syndromes</li>
  • +</ul>
  • +</li>
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