Trigonocephaly (/trɪɡɒnəʊˈsɛfəli/) is a medical condition that affects the shape of the skull. The word comes from the Greek words "trigonon" meaning triangle and "kephalē" meaning head. The spelling of trigonocephaly can be tricky due to the combination of silent letters and double consonants. The "g" and the "h" in the middle of the word are silent, and the "e" before the "l" is not pronounced. The double "l" at the end of the word is pronounced as "lee".
Trigonocephaly is a medical term used to describe a congenital condition characterized by the abnormal shaping of a newborn's skull. The term trigonocephaly stems from the combination of two words - "trigono," derived from the Greek word trigonon meaning triangle, and "cephaly," meaning head.
In a normal skull, the front part, known as the forehead or frontal bone, should have a gentle curve. However, in trigonocephaly, the forehead takes a distinctive triangular shape due to premature fusion of the metopic suture, which is the soft tissue that connects the frontal bone's two halves. This premature fusion prevents proper growth and results in a narrowed forehead, a bulging of the temples, and an increased height of the skull when viewed from the side.
Trigonocephaly typically occurs during early embryonic development, and the exact cause is not always known. However, it can be associated with certain genetic mutations, such as the FGFR1 or FGFR2 genes.
The condition can lead to various symptoms, including developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and mild to moderate facial deformities. Early diagnosis through physical examination and imaging techniques like X-rays and CT scans can help determine the severity of trigonocephaly and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment options may include surgery known as cranial vault remodeling, which involves reshaping the skull bones to allow for proper growth and development. Additional interventions, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and regular monitoring by a multidisciplinary medical team, may also be recommended to address any associated developmental issues.
The condition of a trigonocephalus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "trigonocephaly" is derived from two Greek roots.
The first root is "trigonon", which means "triangle" in Greek. It comes from the Greek word "trigonon" (τρίγωνον), which combines "tri-" (three) and "gonia" (corner or angle). This root refers to the triangular shape of the skull that is characteristic of trigonocephaly.
The second root is "cephalos", which means "head" in Greek. It comes from the Greek word "kephalē" (κεφαλή). This root refers to the abnormal development or shape of the head associated with trigonocephaly.
So, "trigonocephaly" literally means "triangle-shaped head" in Greek, which accurately describes the condition where the skull has a triangular appearance due to premature fusion of certain skull bones.