What is the most common form of craniosynostosis that results in an oblong-shaped head?

The most common form of craniosynostosis that leads to an oblong-shaped head is sagittal craniosynostosis. This condition occurs when the sagittal suture, which runs from the front to the back of the skull, prematurely fuses. As a result, the growth of the skull along the sides continues, but the forward and backward growth is restricted. This leads to the characteristic elongated shape of the head, often referred to as scaphocephaly.

In contrast to sagittal craniosynostosis, the other types involve different sutures. Coronal craniosynostosis affects the coronal suture, often leading to a flattened appearance on one side of the head with a prominence on the opposite side. Metopic craniosynostosis involves early fusion of the metopic suture, resulting in a triangular forehead. Lambdoid craniosynostosis affects the lambdoid suture at the back of the skull and can lead to a flat appearance, commonly referred to as occipital plagiocephaly. Each of these conditions produces distinct head shapes that differ from the elongated appearance seen with sagittal craniosynostosis.