Question about suture closure?

[tams]

I'm wondering what you all have heard or read about the normal age of suture closure? I had read that the metopic generally closes between 3 and 8 months of age. And that all the other sutures begin to close after the age of 29. My sons pediatrician said his should be closing now, He will be 3yrs old soon. Just wanting to make sure that is accurate information. Thanks for your help.

[JIC0930]

I don't remember where exactly, I read it, something medical online, but it said before 2 years for the metopic and the rest in the late teens and early twenties. Of course since I don't remember where I read I can not say how accurate that is :)

[Mindy]

Yes, the only suture to fuse in infancy is the metopic. The other ones don't close until the 2nd decade of life.

[tams]

Thats what I thought. But his pediatritian said Jamesons ridges were from closure and that it is normal at this time. I don't get it. Could he even know that for sure by feel? Could they overlap at his age? I'm so confused!

[evergreenmom]

Chances are he seriously doesn't know what he is talking about. Go to a CFS if you want answers... I wouldn't think they would be overlapping but I really don't know what causes ridging- sometimes we see ridges around her that are not cranio so idk???

[tams]

That's true...strange. There's more information about Jamesons appt with his pedi today in my other thread. If you'd like to look at that and offer some advice.

I was thinking about emailing Staffenburg and Fearon to see what they thought. Do any of you know the email? I searched on here but didn't see it.

[JIC0930]

I have Dr. Staffenberg's. It has been my experience that he will respond very quickly :)
drstaffenberg@newyorkcraniofacialsurgery.com

[Mindy]

Dr. Fearon's is cranio700@aol.com

[Mindy]

I just read your update. I seriously think that your ped is misinformed and giving you inaccurate info. First of all, it isn't normal for all the sutures to be closing at his age. Second, if they are closing, you would certainly not want to put a helmet on the skull to restrict further growth and cause increased pressure. And, you are right, I've never heard of a helmet at 3 years of age. You need to get in with another CFS and if I were you, I'd have a CT scan to check on the new ridging. A ridge may be just a ridge, and the fact that his head is still growing is a good thing as with multi-sutural cranio, you wouldn't expect the skull to continue to grow if the sutures are closing. The fact that his head is growing too large and not along the same curve might be concerning, but I'm not sure. Your best bet is to get an opinion from a CFS. I would email Dr. S and Dr. F also.

[angeleka]

Everything I have heard, read, and seen about cranio says that the metopic can close normally pretty much any time after birth but the other sutures do not close until well into adulthood if at all. Sounds like his pedi is not very knowledgeable in the area of cranio and should keep his mouth shut on the subject. If he said this to you imagine what he may have said to other parents who were concerned about their kids. How many of his patients did not get help they may have needed because he made a comment about it being normal. That irks me. He needs to be educated on cranio.