Craniofacial Microsomia: Aetiology, Classification and Clinical Features. Part 1

Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is a congenital facial condition that affects the structures derived from the first and second pharyngeal arches (OMIM #164210).¹ It is an autosomal dominant condition with an estimated frequency of 1 in 3000–5000. CFM results in underdevelopment of facial structures, most commonly causing abnormal mandibular growth and morphology. Patients are affected to varying degrees with potential involvement of the ear, eye, nerves and soft tissues.^2,3

Patients require longitudinal care of a multidisciplinary nature. Treatment is tailored to each individual patient on account of the variation in spectrum of issues related to the severity of each case. Treatment requires close interaction between medical and dental specialities including paediatric dentistry, restorative dentistry, orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery. The general dental practitioner (GDP) plays a role in maintaining adequate oral health, which is a prerequisite for orthodontics and surgical correction, followed by definitive restorative and prosthetic dentistry where required.