Sutures - separated

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Skull of a newborn

Overview

Treatment

Sutures - separated

Alternative Names:

Separation of the sutures
Home Care:

Home care is based on the specific diagnosis associated with separated sutures.

Call your health care provider if:

Your child has noticeably separated sutures, bulging fontanelles, or prominent scalp veins
There is redness, swelling, or discharge from the area of the sutures

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

text continues below

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. Your health care provider will palpate (feel) the sutures to determine the degree of separation. In addition, the fontanelles and scalp veins will be examined. If there are abnormal findings, the nervous system and vision will be evaluated in detail.

The help evaluate the problem, the doctor may ask:

Have other abnormalities been present (such as abnormal head circumference)?
When did you first notice that the sutures were separated?
Does it seem to be getting worse?
What other symptoms are also present?
Is the child otherwise well? (e.g., normal eating, activity patterns)

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

MRI of the head
CT scan of the head
Ultrasound of the head
Infectious disease workup (blood cultures, cultures from various other tissues possibly including a spinal tap)
Metabolic workup (blood tests to look at electrolytelevels, as well as tests for other suspected causes)
Standard ophthalmic exam

Although your health care provider keeps records from routine examinations, you may find it helpful to maintain your own records of your child's development. You will want to bring these records to your health care provider's attention if you notice anything unusual.

If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider as to the cause of separated sutures, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.