Welcome to the
NJ Craniosynostosis Center
Welcome to the NJ Craniosynostosis Center, a division of Cimisurgical devoted exclusively to the comprehensive treatment of craniosynostosis. Our goal is not only to deliver the highest level of care but also to provide peace of mind. We are here to make the journey easier, ensuring you feel confident in every decision made for your child’s health.
Craniosynostosis treatment demands an exceptional level of precision and expertise, and at our center, experience makes all the difference. As a high-volume specialty center, we have been at the forefront of craniosynostosis care for over fifteen years—this is our passion and our purpose.
At the NJ Craniosynostosis Center, your child’s care is guided by a team of experts committed to achieving the best possible outcomes, combining skill with compassion at every stage. From diagnosis to post-treatment follow-up, we stand by your family, providing guidance and support every step of the way.
Dr. Ciminello's Book
Dr. Ciminello's Book
With over fifteen years of experience treating craniosynostosis, I have had the privilege of working with countless families who have faced the same fears and challenges you might be feeling right now. I’ve seen firsthand how the right information, paired with compassionate care, can transform a difficult situation into a manageable one. My hope is that this book serves as a reliable resource for you—a guide to understanding craniosynostosis, its treatment options, and the steps involved in your child’s care.
In these pages, we’ll cover everything from the basics of craniosynostosis to the latest treatment options, including what to expect before, during, and after surgery, as well as the emotional and practical aspects of managing your child’s health. My goal is to provide clear, easy-to-understand information that helps you feel confident and reassured as you move forward. Above all, I want you to know that you are not alone on this journey, and with the right care and support, your child has every chance of thriving.
Types of Craniosynostosis
- Metopic
- Coronal
- Sagittal
- Lambdoid
Metopic
Overview
Metopic synostosis, also known as trigonocephaly, is characterized by the premature fusion of the metopic suture, which runs from the top of the head down the middle of the forehead to the nose. This fusion results in a triangular-shaped forehead and a prominent ridge along the suture line.
Incidence
The overall incidence of Craniosynostosis is approximately 1 in 2000/3000 births. Metopic synostosis is relatively rare, accounting for between 5% and 15% of all craniosynostosis cases.
Diagnosis
Diagnostically, the condition can be identified through a physical examination, where the triangular shape of the forehead and ridging are noticeable. Imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, can confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the fusion.
Treatment
Treatment typically involves surgery to correct the skull shape and allow for normal brain growth. The surgical procedure, usually performed in the first year of life, involves removing and reshaping the fused bones to create a more typical skull contour. Please refer to our Treatment Options page for a more detailed explanation of these surgical procedures.
- Overview
- Incidence
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
Metopic synostosis, also known as trigonocephaly, is characterized by the premature fusion of the metopic suture, which runs from the top of the head down the middle of the forehead to the nose. This fusion results in a triangular-shaped forehead and a prominent ridge along the suture line.
The overall incidence of Craniosynostosis is approximately 1 in 2000/3000 births. Metopic synostosis is relatively rare, accounting for between 5% and 15% of all craniosynostosis cases.
Diagnostically, the condition can be identified through a physical examination, where the triangular shape of the forehead and ridging are noticeable. Imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, can confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the fusion.
Treatment typically involves surgery to correct the skull shape and allow for normal brain growth. The surgical procedure, usually performed in the first year of life, involves removing and reshaping the fused bones to create a more typical skull contour. Please refer to our Treatment Options page for a more detailed explanation of these surgical procedures.
Coronal
- Overview
Incidence
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
Coronal synostosis involves the premature fusion of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) coronal sutures, which run from ear to ear over the top of the skull. Unilateral coronal synostosis, also known as synostotic anterior plagiocephaly, results in an asymmetrical skull with a flattened forehead on the affected side and a raised eyebrow. Bilateral coronal synostosis, also known as brachycephaly, leads to a brachycephalic head shape, characterized by a broad, short skull.
The overall incidence of Craniosynostosis is approximately 1 in 2000/3000 births. Coronal synostosis accounts for approximately 20% to 30% of all craniosynostosis cases.
Diagnosis of coronal synostosis involves a thorough physical examination where asymmetry or brachycephaly is apparent. Imaging techniques, including CT scans, help confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgical intervention.
Surgical correction is typically recommended to improve skull shape and symmetry. The timing of the surgery is crucial; it is often performed within the first year of life to maximize the benefits. Procedures may involve fronto-orbital advancement and reshaping of the forehead and eye sockets. Please refer to our Treatment Options page for a more detailed explanation of these surgical procedures.
Overview
Coronal synostosis involves the premature fusion of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) coronal sutures, which run from ear to ear over the top of the skull. Unilateral coronal synostosis, also known as synostotic anterior plagiocephaly, results in an asymmetrical skull with a flattened forehead on the affected side and a raised eyebrow. Bilateral coronal synostosis, also known as brachycephaly, leads to a brachycephalic head shape, characterized by a broad, short skull.
Incidence
The overall incidence of Craniosynostosis is approximately 1 in 2000/3000 births. Coronal synostosis accounts for approximately 20% to 30% of all craniosynostosis cases.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of coronal synostosis involves a thorough physical examination where asymmetry or brachycephaly is apparent. Imaging techniques, including CT scans, help confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgical intervention.
Treatment
Surgical correction is typically recommended to improve skull shape and symmetry. The timing of the surgery is crucial; it is often performed within the first year of life to maximize the benefits. Procedures may involve fronto-orbital advancement and reshaping of the forehead and eye sockets. Please refer to our Treatment Options page for a more detailed explanation of these surgical procedures.
Sagittal
- Overview
- Incidence
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
Sagittal synostosis, also known as scaphocephaly, is the most common form of craniosynostosis. It involves the premature fusion of the sagittal suture, which runs from the front to the back of the skull along the midline. This fusion causes the head to grow long and narrow, a condition known as scaphocephaly.
The overall incidence of Craniosynostosis is approximately 1 in 2000/3000 births. Sagittal synostosis accounts for approximately 40% to 55% of all craniosynostosis cases.
Physical examination often reveals a long, narrow head shape with a prominent ridge along the sagittal suture. Confirmatory diagnosis is achieved through imaging studies such as CT scans, which provide detailed views of the fused suture and skull shape.
Surgical treatment for sagittal synostosis aims to expand the width of the skull and improve its overall shape. Depending on the severity of the condition, procedures may include minimally invasive endoscopic suturectomy or a more complex procedure referred to as cranial vault remodeling. Please refer to our Treatment Options page for a more detailed explanation of these surgical procedures.
Overview
Sagittal synostosis, also known as scaphocephaly, is the most common form of craniosynostosis. It involves the premature fusion of the sagittal suture, which runs from the front to the back of the skull along the midline. This fusion causes the head to grow long and narrow, a condition known as scaphocephaly.
Incidence
The overall incidence of Craniosynostosis is approximately 1 in 2000/3000 births. Sagittal synostosis accounts for approximately 40% to 55% of all craniosynostosis cases.
Diagnosis
Physical examination often reveals a long, narrow head shape with a prominent ridge along the sagittal suture. Confirmatory diagnosis is achieved through imaging studies such as CT scans, which provide detailed views of the fused suture and skull shape.
Treatment
Surgical treatment for sagittal synostosis aims to expand the width of the skull and improve its overall shape. Depending on the severity of the condition, procedures may include minimally invasive endoscopic suturectomy or a more complex procedure referred to as cranial vault remodeling. Please refer to our Treatment Options page for a more detailed explanation of these surgical procedures.
Lambdoid
- Overview
- Incidence
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
Lambdoid synostosis, also known as synostotic posterior plagiocephaly, is the rarest form of craniosynostosis, affecting the lambdoid suture at the back of the skull. This condition can result in a flattened appearance on one side of the back of the head (unilateral) or a symmetric flattening (bilateral).
The overall incidence of Craniosynostosis is approximately 1 in 2000/3000 births. Lambdoid synostosis accounts for approximately 1% to 5% of all craniosynostosis cases.
Diagnosis involves distinguishing lambdoid synostosis from positional plagiocephaly, a common condition caused by external pressure on the skull. Physical examination and imaging studies, such as CT scans, help differentiate between these conditions.
Surgical treatment for lambdoid synostosis aims to correct the skull shape and alleviate any potential pressure on the brain. The procedure typically involves removing and reshaping the affected areas of the skull to achieve a more balanced and symmetrical appearance. Please refer to our Treatment Options page for a more detailed explanation of these surgical procedures.
Overview
Sagittal synostosis, also known as scaphocephaly, is the most common form of craniosynostosis. It involves the premature fusion of the sagittal suture, which runs from the front to the back of the skull along the midline. This fusion causes the head to grow long and narrow, a condition known as scaphocephaly.
Incidence
The overall incidence of Craniosynostosis is approximately 1 in 2000/3000 births. Sagittal synostosis accounts for approximately 40% to 55% of all craniosynostosis cases.
Diagnosis
Physical examination often reveals a long, narrow head shape with a prominent ridge along the sagittal suture. Confirmatory diagnosis is achieved through imaging studies such as CT scans, which provide detailed views of the fused suture and skull shape.
Treatment
Surgical treatment for sagittal synostosis aims to expand the width of the skull and improve its overall shape. Depending on the severity of the condition, procedures may include minimally invasive endoscopic suturectomy or a more complex procedure referred to as cranial vault remodeling. Please refer to our Treatment Options page for a more detailed explanation of these surgical procedures.
Procedures
Endoscopic Suturectomy
Learn MoreEndoscopic suturectomy is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it involves smaller incisions than traditional surgeries. The surgeon uses an endoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light at the end to perform the surgery through small openings in the skin. Guided by the direct vision of the endoscope, they then surgically remove the fused areas of bone.
Cranial Vault Remodeling
Learn MoreCranial vault remodeling is generally used for most cases that require significant reshaping of the skull. Although the recovery time is longer than with the endoscopic approach, open cranial vault remodeling has a long history of effectiveness and enables surgeons to make more significant corrections to the skull shape at the time of surgery.
Distraction Osteogenesis
Learn MorePosterior cranial vault distraction is a surgical technique that has become pivotal in treating complex craniosynostosis and other craniofacial conditions. This procedure gradually expands the back portion of a child’s skull, creating additional space for the growing brain and offering a less invasive alternative to traditional cranial vault reconstruction.
Fronto-Orbital Advancement
Learn MoreFronto-orbital advancement is a surgical procedure primarily used to treat metopic and coronal craniosynostosis. The procedure involves reshaping and repositioning the forehead and the upper part of the eye sockets to correct the abnormal skull shape, relieve any pressure on the brain, and ensure that the child’s facial features are symmetrical and natural-looking.
Experience Matters
Choosing a Surgeon for Your Child's Care
Experience Matters
Choosing a Surgeon for Your Child's Care
My journey into the specialized field of pediatric craniofacial surgery was not just a career choice but a personal commitment to make a significant difference in the lives of children and their families. This path has been shaped by many experiences, each of which has taught me something valuable about care, empathy, and the technical expertise needed to address complex medical conditions such as craniosynostosis.
From the early days of my training, I was drawn to the challenges presented by craniofacial anomalies. The complexity of the surgical procedures and the profound impact of these conditions on children’s growth and development sparked a profound interest in me.
Working with families affected by craniosynostosis has been immensely rewarding. Every child I meet presents a unique case, a different puzzle to solve. And with each case, there’s not just a child; there’s a family full of hope, anxiety, and questions. They are looking for reassurance, for expertise, and for someone to trust at a time when their vulnerability is at its peak.
My journey in pediatric craniofacial surgery is not just about the surgeries I perform. It is about the lives I touch, the families I support, and the knowledge I share. It is a continuous cycle of learning, helping, and improving—a journey that is as challenging as it is rewarding. I am honored to have the opportunity to help each new child and their family on this journey.
How Were Different
Exceptional Care
With over 15 years of experience, we have become a trusted regional referral center, providing expert treatment to children from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Here are a few reasons why:
Experience
Led by Dr. Frank Ciminello, who was trained by world-renowned craniofacial surgeon Dr. Anthony Wolfe, our team has developed unparalleled expertise in treating craniosynostosis. Dr. Ciminello has been performing craniofacial surgery for over 15 years and is the Section Chief of Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center and a lead surgeon at the New Jersey Institute for Craniofacial Surgery.
As a high-volume center, we see and treat a significant number of craniosynostosis cases each year, which not only reflects our expertise but also enhances our ability to deliver the best possible outcomes. This extensive experience allows our team to recognize the nuances of each individual case and tailor treatments to meet the specific needs of every child. For families, this means peace of mind, knowing their child is receiving care from a team specializing in craniosynostosis with extensive experience and a proven track record of success.
Minimally Invasive Options
At the NJ Craniosynostosis Center, we are proud to offer minimally invasive treatment options, providing families with advanced alternatives that promote quicker recovery and reduce post-operative discomfort when appropriate. By leveraging our extensive experience and close collaboration with many of the region’s leading neurosurgeons, we carefully assess each child’s unique condition to determine whether these minimally invasive approaches are the ideal choice. Our goal is to ensure your child receives the most effective and least disruptive treatment with the highest standards of care and precision.
One of the most successful minimally invasive procedures we perform is endoscopic suturectomy, which addresses craniosynostosis through smaller incisions, resulting in reduced scarring and faster healing times. This procedure is typically followed by helmet therapy to guide the natural growth of the skull, offering families a less invasive route to excellent outcomes.
Another advanced treatment we offer is posterior vault distraction osteogenesis, a technique that gradually expands the skull to relieve pressure on the brain and promote natural cranial development. This procedure is particularly effective in more complex cases, allowing for safe skull expansion while minimizing the risks associated with traditional surgeries.
Regional Referral Center
The NJ Craniosynostosis Center has established itself as a premier regional referral center for the treatment of craniosynostosis, drawing patients from across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Families from all over the tri-state area trust our center for its unparalleled expertise and commitment to providing the highest standard of care. With our extensive experience in treating craniosynostosis and our reputation for delivering exceptional outcomes, we are a top destination for families seeking advanced care for their children. Referring physicians and specialists consistently turn to us because of our proven track record and our ability to handle even the most complex cases.
We understand the added stress that comes with traveling for specialized care, so we provide personalized support to ensure a smooth experience from start to finish. To make the process easier for families traveling from out of town, the NJ Craniosynostosis Center offers special accommodations, including hotel discounts, car services, and extended office hours to fit their needs. Our team works closely with referring pediatricians and specialists, ensuring a seamless continuum of care. With a focus on convenience and compassion, we are committed to helping families feel comfortable and confident throughout their child’s treatment journey.
Comprehensive Care
At the NJ Craniosynostosis Center, we are committed to providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for every child and family we serve. Each case of craniosynostosis requires a collaborative approach, which is why we work closely with some of the most prominent pediatric neurosurgeons in New Jersey. By combining the expertise of both craniofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons, we ensure that every child’s treatment plan is thorough, safe, and designed to achieve the best possible outcomes. This teamwork allows us to address both the surgical and neurological needs of our patients, giving families the reassurance that their child is receiving the highest level of coordinated care.
In addition to craniosynostosis treatment, the NJ Craniosynostosis Center offers a dedicated Plagiocephaly and Helmet Treatment Center. This allows us to provide helmet therapy for children with plagiocephaly, as well as post-surgical helmeting for those who require it after cranial surgery.
As a craniofacial surgeon, Dr. Ciminello is uniquely positioned to care for every stage of your child’s journey, from diagnosis and initial treatment to all future surgical needs. This allows for continuity of care for your child throughout treatment, improving both the surgical and emotional results of their journey.
Testimonials
