craniostosis /krā′nē·ostō″sis/ [Gk, kranion + osteon, bone, osis, condition] , premature ossification of the sutures of the skull, often associated with other skeletal defects. The sutures close before or soon after birth. Without surgical correction the growth of the skull is inhibited, the head is deformed, and the eyes and brain are often damaged. Also called craniosynostosis.
