Scaphocephaly
Scaphocephaly (scafe-oh-kef-alley) describes a long thin head shape, sometimes called dolichocephaly (doll-ee-co-kef-alley), caused by the premature fusion of the sagittal suture which joins together the two parietal bones of skull. The word comes from the Greek ‘skaphe’ for ‘keel-shaped’, describing the underside of a boat, and ‘kephale’ meaning ‘head’.
When a baby has this, parents may also notice that their baby’s ears are not aligned. As the condition can be related to a synostosis (the fusion of two bones), scaphocephaly treatment might not involve a cranial helmet as corrective helmets rely on malleable skulls in order to be effective. The condition of synostotic scaphocephaly is related to a head shape that is unable to grow in the width. However, the term can be interchangeable with a deformational condition.
The term dolichocephaly is usually associated with a head shape that premature babies develop to describe a long thin head shape. This self-corrects once a baby is strong enough to begin supporting their own head. For a full explanation into the scaphocephaly head shape, please read the relative article.
Scaphocephaly Treatment
We cannot treat conditions relating to a synostosis with our cranial remoulding treatment. However, if the suture is open, then we can do so. Our specialist clinicians can offer the best scaphocephaly treatment advice.
For advice or to book an appointment, call us on 0330 100 1800 (local rate) or 0113 218 803.