The history of medicine is dotted with the episodic appearance of new discoveries, scientific breakthroughs, and the development of new schools of medicine, and each has contributed to the evolution of the art and science of the practice of medicine. The founding of osteopathic medicine by Andrew Taylor Still was one such event. The development of the craniosacral concept by William G.Suther land was another. Both of these giants of osteopathic medicine en countered the reluctance of their colleagues to accept his contribu tion. Both were able to overcome this reluctance and saw the acceptance of his contribution because of the fundamental anatom ical and physiological truth supporting the concept, and the prag matic fact that their therapeutic applications were successful. Both men attracted to them individuals desirous of learning a new diag nostic and therapeutic procedure. It is fortunate that these individu als have continued to promulgate the contribution to osteopathic medicine of their mentors.

This book provides an in-depth review of the sutures of the skull. The premature closure of the sutures of the skull (craniosynostosis) due to genetic or metabolic etiologies results in typical progressive skull deformity, due to both the inhibition of growth caused by the affected cranial suture and associated compensatory expansion of the skull along the open ones. Today, it is well known that early diagnosis of craniosynostosis is crucial for the best surgical outcomes and for the normal development of the brain and cosmetic appearance of the skull. As such, in addition to the anatomy, biology, genetics and embryology of the sutures of the skull, the book also covers the diagnosis and treatment of different forms of craniosynostosis such as metopism, and animal models for cranial suture research. This comprehensive work is a valuable resource for neuroscientists at all levels, from graduate students to researchers, as well as neurosurgeons, neuroanatomists, pediatricians, and neurologists seeking both basic and more advanced information on the unique structure of the sutures of the human skull.

"In this volume craniofacial developmental and evolutionary biologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists as well as pediatric and plastic surgeons will find a wealth of recent information on the field of craniofacial development, deformity and its treatment."--BOOK JACKET.

Craniosynostosis, the early fusion of skull sutures, is a serious abnormality of infancy and childhood. Because there are many forms of the condition, both isolated and syndromatic, proper diagnosis is essential before treatment could be carried out. Not only has surgical treatment advanced in recent years, but basic knowledge of sutural and molecular biology of craniosynostosis syndromes has recently come to light. Because dramatic changes have occurred in the field, particularly in molecular biology, this new edition has been rewritten and new chapters have been added on the growth of sutures, craniofacial surgery, and epidemiology and clinical correlations. The molecular basis of craniosynostosis, with emphasis on fibroblast growth receptors, and recent research on postnatal growth and the craniofacial complex, will be discussed in detail. Many new syndromes have been delineated the established conditions have been redefined.

Both a memoir and a medical study, this unique work explores the extensive and tragic reach of craniosynostosis, the premature fusing of the cranial sutures in infants. The author--born with craniosynostosis in 1975--documents his and his family's struggles, weaving his story into a broader view of this birth defect. Included are interviews with respected craniofacial surgeons, neurosurgeons and pediatric anesthesiologists, an explanation of the major types of craniosynostosis, and a summary of the modern medical history of cranial sutures, as well as ancient treatments dating to the time of Hippocrates. The experiences of 11 American families affected by craniosynostosis are chronicled, demonstrating the uniqueness of each case and each treatment. Their stories illustrate the surgical techniques now being used to release cranial sutures, allowing the brain to grow naturally--though not every story ends this way.