From the Research
The frontal fontanel typically closes between 9 to 18 months of age, with an average closure time of around 12 to 14 months. This soft spot is the largest of the fontanels and is located at the junction where the two frontal and two parietal bones meet at the top of the infant's head. The closure occurs gradually as the bones of the skull grow and fuse together.
Key Points to Consider
- It's essential for parents and healthcare providers to monitor fontanel closure as part of normal development.
- Premature closure (craniosynostosis) or significantly delayed closure may indicate underlying medical conditions, such as rickets, which can be caused by nutritional deficiencies or genetic defects 1, 2.
- The fontanels serve crucial purposes during birth, allowing the skull bones to overlap and pass through the birth canal, and during early infancy, permitting rapid brain growth.
- No specific interventions are needed for normal fontanel closure, as it's a natural developmental process.
- However, in cases of delayed closure, it's crucial to investigate the underlying cause, which may involve biochemical tests, radiography, and genetic tests to rule out conditions like rickets 1, 2.
- The diagnosis and management of rickets, including nutritional and hereditary types, are critical to prevent long-term complications and ensure proper growth and development 1, 2.