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Living with Craniosynostosis, Herrmann-Opitz type

A rare bone condition with early skull closure, intellectual disability, short stature, and hand and foot differences.

Understanding Craniosynostosis, Herrmann-Opitz type

Craniosynostosis, Herrmann-Opitz type is a rare bone development condition with early closure of skull bones, intellectual disability, and short stature.

Features include a short, tall head, very wide-set eyes, differences in the ears, a small jaw, bone gaps at the back of the skull, and finger and toe differences such as joined or short digits. A blocked urethra has also been reported. It can be noticed during pregnancy.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Early closure of skull bones (craniosynostosis)
  • Intellectual disability
  • Short stature
  • Cleft palate
  • Small lower jaw (micrognathia)
  • Joined or short fingers and toes

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    World Craniofacial Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: World Craniofacial Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with World Craniofacial Foundation and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Would genetic testing help our family?
What care and surgery are needed for the skull and palate?
What early development support is available?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It doesn't name a gene.

Genetic

Also known as: craniosynostosis herrmann opitz type

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Craniosynostosis, Herrmann-Opitz typeGARD ID 18762 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Craniosynostosis, Herrmann-Opitz type.

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Explore actively recruiting Craniosynostosis, Herrmann-Opitz type studies with HealthSpark.

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  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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