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Living with Delayed membranous cranial ossification

A rare genetic bone condition in which the skull is soft at birth and hardens slowly, with distinct facial features.

Understanding Delayed membranous cranial ossification

Delayed membranous cranial ossification is a rare genetic bone condition in which the skull bones have not hardened at birth.

Babies have a soft skull that gradually hardens over time. In adulthood this typically results in a skull with a different shape. There are also distinct facial features. No other bone differences are linked to it, and people have normal thinking and motor development.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Soft skull at birth
  • Prominent forehead (frontal bossing)
  • Wide-set eyes
  • Flat nasal bridge
  • Flattened middle of the face
  • Prominent back of the skull

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.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
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 rare disease patient organizations for support
  • 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
How can we protect a soft skull in a baby?
How will skull growth be monitored?
Can genetic testing help our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, so a changed copy of the gene from one parent can be enough.

Genetic

Also known as: gonzales-del angel syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Delayed membranous cranial ossificationGARD ID 1727 · 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 Delayed membranous cranial ossification.

Explore the Delayed membranous cranial ossification blog

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