Multidisciplinary Management of Craniofacial Malformations

Craniofacial malformations (CFMs) describe a diverse group of congenital disorders, varying from simple craniosynostosis involving single sutural fusion to complex syndromes marked by multiple sutural fusions, from simple clefts of the lip and palate to complex facial clefts, and branchial arch syndromes. This chapter aims to provide a concise description of the commonly encountered craniofacial anomalies and their multidisciplinary management, with stress on the craniofacial orthodontics. CFMs can be broadly classified into craniofacial dysplasias and craniofacial dysplasias of other origins. The chapter provides an overview of interdisciplinary team management of the most common CFMs. It outlines major congenital orofacial malformations under the headings of otofacial malformations and craniosynostosis, with particular emphasis on the role of orthodontists in the interdisciplinary team. Craniosynostosis characterizes premature closure of the calvarial sutures. There are over 100 recognized syndromes, which include craniosynostoses of various types. Syndromic craniosynostosis is most often genetic in nature.