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Living with Craniosynostosis, Philadelphia type

A form of early skull closure with a long, narrow head shape and joined fingers and toes.

Understanding Craniosynostosis, Philadelphia type

Craniosynostosis, Philadelphia type is a form of syndromic craniosynostosis with a long, narrow head and fully joined skin between fingers and toes.

The face looks relatively typical. The head shape comes from early closure of a skull seam along the top of the head (sagittal craniosynostosis). The hand findings vary from person to person, and not everyone with the gene change has skull closure. GARD says it has been suggested to share the same cause as syndactyly type 1A.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Early closure of skull bones (craniosynostosis)
  • Joined fingers (syndactyly)
  • Long, narrow head
  • Joined 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 FACES: The National Craniofacial Association 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?
Is surgery recommended for the skull or the hands and feet?
How might this affect my children?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can be enough. Hand findings vary, and not everyone with the gene change has skull closure. GARD doesn't name a gene.

Genetic

Also known as: craniosynostosis philadelphia type

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Craniosynostosis, Philadelphia typeGARD ID 1601 · 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, Philadelphia type.

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