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Alternative names Return to top
Ridged suturesDefinition Return to top
Ridged sutures is caused by an overlap of the bony plates of the skull, with or without premature closure.Considerations Return to top
The skull of an infant or young child is made up of bony plates that allow for growth of the skull. The borders at which these plates intersect are called sutures or suture lines. In an infant only a few minutes old, the pressure from delivery compresses the head, making the bony plates overlap at the sutures and creating a small ridge.
This is a normal finding of newborns. In the next few days the head expands, the overlapping disappears, and the edges of the bony plates meet edge to edge. This is the normal position.
Ridging of the suture line can also occur when the bony plates fuse together prematurely. When this happens, growth along that particular suture line ceases. Premature closure generally leads to an unusually shaped skull.
Premature closure of the sagittal suture (scaphocephaly) produces a long, narrow head, while premature closure of the coronal suture leads to a short, wide head.
Common Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
Home care depends on the condition causing the premature closure of sutures.Call your health care provider if Return to top
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |