How Do You Spell SCAPHOCEPHALISM?

Pronunciation: [skˈafə͡ʊsfəlˌɪzəm] (IPA)

Scaphocephalism is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally elongated shape of the head, resembling the hull of a boat. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /skæfoʊˈsɛfəlɪzəm/. The "scapho-" prefix refers to the scaphoid bone in the skull, while "cephalism" is derived from the Greek word for "head". Individuals affected by scaphocephalism may require surgery to correct the shape of their skull and prevent potential neurological complications.

SCAPHOCEPHALISM Meaning and Definition

1. Scaphocephalism is a term derived from the combination of two Greek words: "scaphē" meaning "boat" and "kephalē" meaning "head". It refers to a medical condition or abnormality characterized by an elongated and narrow shape of the skull, resembling the shape of a boat or canoe.

   This condition typically occurs as a result of premature fusion or closure of the sagittal suture, the primary growth seam located at the top of the skull that separates the two parietal bones. As the skull continues to grow during early infancy, the fused suture restricts the lateral expansion of the skull, causing it to elongate vertically. This leads to a distinctive head shape, commonly described as a "boat-shaped" or "keel-shaped" appearance.

   Scaphocephalism is often associated with craniosynostosis, a condition characterized by the premature fusion of one or more of the cranial sutures. This fusion can occur due to various genetic or environmental factors. If left untreated, scaphocephalism can cause various problems, including increased intracranial pressure, developmental delays, and facial asymmetry.

   Medical intervention for scaphocephalism typically involves cranial vault remodeling surgery, where the fused sutures are surgically separated, allowing for normal skull growth and development. In some cases, a cranial helmet may also be used to reshape the skull gradually.

   It is important to note that scaphocephalism is a specific subtype of craniosynostosis and should not be confused with a naturally occurring skull shape variation or brachycephaly. A proper diagnosis by a medical professional is necessary for accurate identification and appropriate management of this condition.

2. The state of having a scaphocephalic skull.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SCAPHOCEPHALISM

• scaphocephalicm
• scaphocephaliqm
• scaphocephalirm
• scaphocephalise
• scaphocephalisi
• scaphocephaliso
• scaphocephalisl
• scaphoecephalism
• s caphocephalism
• sc aphocephalism
• scaph ocephalism
• scapho cephalism
• scaphoc ephalism
• scaphoceph alism
• scaphocepha lism
• scaphocephal ism
• scaphocephali sm
• scaphocephalis m

Etymology of SCAPHOCEPHALISM

The word "scaphocephalism" is derived from two Greek roots: "scapho" meaning "boat" and "kephalē" meaning "head". The term is formed by combining these roots with the suffix "-ism", which indicates a condition or state. Therefore, "scaphocephalism" refers to the condition or state of having a boat-shaped head.