oxycephaly
Pronunciation: OK-see-sef-ah-lee
A pointed, tower-shaped skull deformity resulting from premature fusion of multiple cranial sutures.
Full Definition
Oxycephaly, also known as acrocephaly or turricephaly, is a severe cranial deformity characterized by a pointed, cone-shaped or tower-like head appearance. This condition typically results from premature fusion of multiple cranial sutures, most commonly involving the coronal and sagittal sutures simultaneously. The restricted growth leads to excessive vertical expansion of the skull, often accompanied by increased intracranial pressure, visual disturbances, and developmental delays. Complex surgical reconstruction involving multiple staged procedures is usually required to normalize skull shape and prevent neurological complications.
Usage
Usage note: Often associated with syndromic conditions; specify whether syndromic or non-syndromic.
In Context
- "The child's oxycephaly required urgent surgical intervention due to raised intracranial pressure." — Emergency consultation
- "Multi-suture involvement was confirmed on imaging, explaining the severe oxycephaly." — Radiological interpretation