American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

In what condition is early coronal suture fusion typically seen?

1. Down syndrome

2. Apert's syndrome

3. Cleft lip and palate

4. Turner's syndrome

The correct answer is: Apert's syndrome

Early coronal suture fusion, also known as coronal synostosis, is most commonly associated with Apert's syndrome. This condition is characterized by the premature fusion of certain skull sutures, leading to a variety of craniofacial deformities. In Apert's syndrome, the fusion of the coronal sutures can result in a distinctive shape of the head and can affect the positioning and development of facial features. The significance of recognizing early coronal suture fusion in Apert’s syndrome lies in the implications for treatment and management. Children with this condition may require surgical intervention to correct the cranial and facial anomalies, allowing for normal growth and development. In contrast, other conditions listed, such as Down syndrome, cleft lip and palate, and Turner's syndrome, do not typically present with early coronal suture fusion. Down syndrome, for example, may involve various skeletal abnormalities but is not specifically associated with synostosis of the coronal suture. Cleft lip and palate involves the failure of tissues to fuse properly during development but does not directly involve the sutures of the skull. Turner's syndrome is a chromosomal condition that primarily affects females and is associated with a number of physical features but also does not relate to early suture