CPT® Code 61558

Craniosynostosis is a congenital condition characterized by the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures in infants, which can lead to significant complications. The cranial sutures are fibrous joints that connect the bones of the skull, allowing for growth and development of the brain during infancy and early childhood. When these sutures close too early, it can result in increased intracranial pressure, which may impair brain development and lead to cognitive and developmental delays. Additionally, the abnormal closure of sutures can cause distinctive head shapes, such as the cloverleaf skull associated with multiple suture synostosis. This condition can occur independently or as part of various syndromes, including Crouzon, Apert, Carpenter, Chotzen, or Pfeiffer syndrome, which may present with other physical abnormalities. The treatment for craniosynostosis typically involves surgical intervention to correct the shape of the skull and alleviate pressure on the brain. The procedure involves extensive craniectomy, where multiple pieces or wedges of bone are excised from the skull to allow for proper reshaping and reconfiguration of the cranial structure. This surgical approach aims to restore normal head shape and promote healthy brain development without the need for bone grafts, as indicated by CPT® Code 61558.