Abstract

Growth and Development in Craniofacial Anomalies: Clinical Implications

by Meazzini Maria Costanza

The most common craniofacial malformations are classified into four main categories: 1) cleft lip and palate 2)First and second branchial arch syndromes, in which the most frequent pathology is hemifacial craniosomia 3) craniofaciostenosis, such as Crouzon, Apert and Pfeiffer syndromes 4) mixed chapter of rare craniofacial syndromes, such as Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome, Achondroplasia, Cleidocranial Dysplasia. In all these pathologies, the orthodontist and the surgeon must have an in-depth knowledge of the etiology and the biological mechanisms that have led to the pathological craniofacial growth. Only in this way can they intervene where it is necessary and useful and, on the contrary, not intervene where an orthodontic treatment could be not only useless, but often harmful. For example, the sutural biology of cleft lip and palate allows for maxillary manipulation, limiting the presence of congenital hypoplasia and scarring. On the contrary, the suture biology of craniofaciostenosis does not allow any orthopedic manipulation of the maxilla, under penalty of aggravation of the already very serious crowding.

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you will be able to distinguish the different craniofacial malformations
After this lecture, you will be able to know what can be done in cleft lip and palate patients
After this lecture, you will be able to know what can be done in craniofacial microsomia patients