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Living with Parietal foramina with cleidocranial dysplasia

A rare genetic bone condition with openings in the skull and short collarbones.

Understanding Parietal foramina with cleidocranial dysplasia

Parietal foramina with cleidocranial dysplasia is a rare genetic bone condition that affects the skull and collarbones.

People have openings in the top and sides of the skull (parietal foramina) and short, underdeveloped collarbones. Some also have a large head, broad forehead, and mild facial differences. GARD says no dental problems were reported. Signs are seen in newborns and infants.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Openings in the skull bones (parietal foramina)
  • Short collarbones
  • Large head (macrocephaly)
  • Wide, open soft spots in the skull
  • Small ears
  • Dermoid cyst (a skin cyst)

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. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in MSX2 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

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 Children's Craniofacial Association
  • 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 I protect the openings in the skull from injury?
Do the collarbones need any special care?
Should family members have MSX2 testing?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesMSX2

Changes in the MSX2 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, which means one changed copy of the gene is enough to cause it.

Genetic

Also known as: parietal foramina with clavicular hypoplasia; parietal foramina with cleidocranial dysostosis; pfmccd

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Parietal foramina with cleidocranial dysplasiaGARD ID 17207 · 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 Parietal foramina with cleidocranial dysplasia.

Explore the Parietal foramina with cleidocranial dysplasia blog

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