What is monobloc surgery?

Monobloc frontofacial advancement surgery moves the bones of the forehead and middle of the face (midface) forward. Surgeons also open the closed joints (sutures) at the front of your child’s skull. The surgery gives more space for your child’s growing brain.

Can you fix Crouzon syndrome?

Treatment of Crouzon syndrome may include surgery. This is to improve symptoms, prevent complications, and help physical and mental development. If the fused sutures are causing intracranial pressure, this may lead to brain injury. This is treated with craniofacial or open vault surgery.

How is Apert syndrome treated currently?

Apert syndrome has no known cure. Surgery to correct the abnormal connections between bones is the main treatment for Apert syndrome.

Can Apert syndrome be passed down?

Apert syndrome can be passed down through families (inherited) as an autosomal dominant trait. This means that only one parent needs to pass on the faulty gene for a child to have the condition.

What is LeFort 3 surgery?

LeFort 3 distraction is surgery to reposition the cheek bones, orbits and upper jaw. “Distraction” means the bones are moves slowly over several weeks, in order to achieve a larger movement and less relapse.

What is the life expectancy for a person with Apert syndrome?

Life expectancy for an individual with Apert syndrome is normal; however, some of the health problems associated with the syndrome can lead to complicated disease and a premature death.

What body systems are affected by Apert syndrome?

Apert syndrome is a condition where the bones of the skull fuse together too early, which affects the shape of the head and face. People born with Apert syndrome may experience problems with their vision and teeth because of the abnormal shape of the facial and skull bones.

What is the life expectancy of someone with Apert syndrome?

Can Apert syndrome be detected before birth?

Individuals may also have testing for mutations in the FGFR2 gene, which can provide a genetic diagnosis of Apert syndrome. In some instances, features of Apert syndrome may be detected before birth. This would be done through prenatal 2D or 3D ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).