craniosynostosis

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craniosynostosis (kray-ni-oh-sin-os-toh-sis) n. premature fusion of some of the cranial sutures, usually before birth, so that the skull is unable to expand in certain directions to assume its normal shape under the influence of the growing brain. The skull may become elongated from front to back, broad and short, peaked (oxycephaly), or asymmetrical. Compare craniostenosis.

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