What effect does early fusion of the coronal suture have in Apert's syndrome?

In Apert's syndrome, early fusion of the coronal suture, a condition known as craniosynostosis, disrupts normal cranial development. This fusion restricts the skull's ability to grow in the anterior-posterior direction, leading to an inhibition of sagittal growth. As a compensatory mechanism, the brain may exhibit increased growth, resulting in megalencephaly, or enlargement of the brain, due to the fixed volume of the skull being unable to accommodate the growing brain adequately.

This condition is crucial in understanding the relationship between suture fusion and cranial morphology. The early closure of sutures limits the overall expansion of the skull in certain directions while promoting abnormal growth patterns, leading to various complications in head shape and potential developmental issues. The effects underscore the importance of recognizing the implications of craniosynostosis in conditions like Apert's syndrome, where the early fusion of sutures can significantly impact both cranial form and neurological outcomes.