Final answer:
Edema crossing suture lines on the head generally indicates superficial swelling from conditions such as fluid accumulation. This is unlike craniosynostosis, which involves the early fusion of cranial sutures and does not cross suture lines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Edema that crosses suture lines on a physical examination of the head likely represents a more superficial swelling, which can be caused by various conditions including fluid accumulation in tissues and allergic reactions. This differs from swellings that do not cross suture lines, such as craniosynostosis, where the early fusion of one or more cranial sutures leads to restricted skull growth and could result in deformity. In complex craniosynostosis, several sutures close prematurely, possibly altering or impeding proper brain growth and development.