ABSTRACT
Surgery for the correction of craniofacial anomalies has come a long way since its
beginnings more than three decades ago. Throughout this period numerous developments
have occurred in diagnosis and management, as well as a better understanding of the
etiology of craniofacial anomalies. Significant technological advancements in imaging
have allowed for more precise diagnosis and surgical planning. Quantitative analysis
techniques have been developed allowing for more precise results analysis. Nonsurgical
management techniques have improved, as has the understanding of the proper utilization
of nonsurgical treatment. Most nonsynostotic cases of head shape abnormality can be
successfully managed nonsurgically. Improvements in surgical management include ways
of diminishing the need for transfusions. Operative technical refinements also allow
for improved results. The discovery of intracranial migration of rigid fixation hardware
has led to decreased utilization of the metallic implants. Bone cements and absorbable
plating systems promise further enhancements. Distraction osseogenesis allows skeletal
changes to be made gradually reducing risks. Finally, the etiologies of craniosynostosis
are being elucidated and promise to lead to more elegant management, reducing or alleviating
the need for surgery. Genetic manipulation may eliminate many of these problems.
KEY WORDS
Craniofacial surgery - craniomaxillofacial surgery - craniosynostosis - cranial svnostosis
