Sagittal synostosis (Scaphocephaly)

Premature closure of the sagittal suture leads to scaphocephaly which has the following characteristics:

• Elongated skull in the sagittal plane
• Frontal and occipital prominence
• Bi-parietal and bi-temporal narrowing
• Palpable sagittal ridge

Variations in the deformity may exist, likely depending upon whether the closure started posteriorly or anteriorly and at what age. Consequently the occiput may be more affected than the frontal region, or vice versa.