The influence of maxillary dentures on mid-facial fracture patterns

The presence of upper arch dentures modifies fracture patterns occurring in mid-facial trauma. The fracture patterns of 16 upper denture wearers suffering maxillary fractures were retrospectively studied. Mid-facial fractures in this group were predominantly of the Le Fort I type and in 14 patients demonstrated an atypical fracture path with a vertical fracture passing from the main Le Fort I fracture to the inferior orbital rim. Full upper arch dentures generally protected the upper alveolus from fracture but, where there was discontinuity of the prosthesis, alveolar fractures mirroring the edge of the denture as it crossed the alveolar region were seen. These findings should alert the clinician to the possibility of unusual maxillary fractures in denture wearers and aid our understanding of fracture patterns in the mid-facial skeleton.

A comparative study of miniplates used in the treatment of mandibular fractures

The purposes of this study were to investigate the differences in mechanical properties of major miniplating systems used for noncompression miniplate osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures and to determine whether these properties influence treatment outcome. The study was conducted in two parts. First, six of the major miniplate systems currently used at the Royal Adelaide Hospital were subjected to bending tests at the University of Adelaide Engineering Department to quantify the relative stiffness of each plate. Second, a prospective sample of patients presenting with mandibular fractures was analyzed. These patients were treated with a variety of the miniplating systems. The results of treatment as a whole were compared to identify any direct benefit consequent on the miniplate selected. While significant differences in stiffness were identified between the plating systems, no significant differences in treatment outcome were identified, between the noncompression plates employed. Since no observable benefits have been identified by choice of miniplate, selection should be based on surgical preference, biocompatibility, CT compatibility and unit cost. Because of the variations in materials, design, properties, CT compatibility, and unit cost, it is important not to regard all miniplates as equal and interchangeable.

Prenatal exposure to phenytoin, facial development, and a possible role for vitamin K

Ten patients with maxillonasal hypoplasia (Binder "syndrome"), who were prenatally exposed to phenytoin (usually in combination with other anticonvulsants), were identified retrospectively. In addition to their facial anomalies, 6 of the patients were radiographed neonatally and showed punctate calcification, characteristic of chondrodysplasia punctata. Evidence is presented that the facial abnormalities seen in these children are due to anticonvulsant-induced vitamin K deficiency, causing abnormal development of the cartilaginous nasal septum. We propose that early vitamin K supplementation of at-risk pregnancies may prevent the development of maxillonasal hypoplasia, which in some patients is severely disfiguring and causes great emotional distress. Correction of this facial defect requires surgical and dental treatment over a long period of time.

Central nervous system imaging in Crouzon's syndrome

Although the need to prevent the secondary effects of craniosynostosis on the central nervous system is fundamental to the practice of craniofacial surgery, the detailed structural anatomy of the central nervous system in the syndromal craniosynostoses has become the subject of recent interest. A clinical and radiographic review of a population of 59 patients with Crouzon's syndrome determined the frequency of central nervous system deformities. Twelve percent of patients had evidence of decreased mental function. Ventriculomegaly on computed tomographic scan was present in 51% and found to be of three grades: mild, moderate, and severe (hydrocephalus). This was nonprogressive in 7 of the 11 patients with follow-up computed tomographic scans. Ten patients underwent surgical release to increase intracranial space; however, 6 of these patients showed no progression in ventricular size. Nonventricular anomalies were found less frequently (14%). Central nervous system findings show fewer nonventricular anomalies than in Apert's syndrome patients, with a corresponding higher mental function. The principal anomaly of ventriculomegaly is not directly related to suture defect and may represent a primary brain abnormality. Recommendations are made for the assessment and management of patients with Crouzon's syndrome with reference to these areas.

Apert syndrome results from localized mutations of FGFR2 and is allelic with Crouzon syndrome

Apert syndrome is a distinctive human malformation comprising craniosynostosis and severe syndactyly of the hands and feet. We have identified specific missense substitutions involving adjacent amino acids (Ser252Trp and Pro253Arg) in the linker between the second and third extracellular immunoglobulin (Ig) domains of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) in all 40 unrelated cases of Apert syndrome studied. Crouzon syndrome, characterized by craniosynostosis but normal limbs, was previously shown to result from allelic mutations of the third Ig domain of FGFR2. The contrasting effects of these mutations provide a genetic resource for dissecting the complex effects of signal transduction through FGFRs in cranial and limb morphogenesis.

Pfeiffer syndrome: a clinical review

The combination of bicoronal craniosynostosis, broad thumbs and great toes, and partial variable soft tissue syndactyly of the hands and feet (i.e., Pfeiffer syndrome) classically followed a benign clinical course. A review of the clinical features of those Pfeiffer syndrome patients presenting to our unit confirm another subgroup in whom the craniofacial and associated manifestations are more extreme, with a significant risk of early demise. The early aggressive surgical management of craniostenosis, hydrocephalus, exorbitism, faciostenosis, and upper airway obstruction has provided the potential for prolonged useful survival in these cases.

Phenotypic variation in acrocephalosyndactyly syndromes: unusual findings in patient with features of Apert and Saethre-Chotzen syndromes

The acrocephalosyndactyly syndromes have presented diagnostic challenges because of overlap in their clinical manifestations. We present a patient with features most suggestive of Apert syndrome, but with a pattern of syndactyly not previously described. In contrast to the complex syndactyly reported as a universal feature of this syndrome, this patient shows close to total simple syndactyly of the index through ring fingers of each hand. Differential diagnoses are discussed. Because the features are reminiscent of Apert syndrome, we suggest that a new classification of hand morphology should be added to include the pattern described here.

Noncraniofacial manifestations of Crouzon's disease

Although most interest centers on the craniofacial region in Crouzon's disease, noncraniofacial manifestations are important because they may complicate both diagnosis and management. A population of 59 patients with Crouzon's disease was reviewed to determine the frequency of these deformities. Stylohyoid ligament calcification (50%) and cervical spine (40%) and elbow (18%) abnormalities were the most common. Minor hand deformities (10%), other musculoskeletal deformities (7%), and visceral anomalies (7%) were also seen. Acanthosis nigricans was not present in this population. Recommendations are made for the assessment and management of Crouzon's disease with reference to these areas.

The relationship between fracture severity and complication rate in miniplate osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures

There are many factors influencing the outcome of mandibular fracture management; however, the relationship between fracture severity and complication rate has only been recognised intuitively due to the absence of an accepted system of classification of the severity of these fractures. In 1989 Cooter and David described the alpha numeric system of computer based coding for craniofacial fractures. Using this system, a prospective sample of 324 patients with mandibular fractures presenting to the Royal Adelaide Hospital was coded for fracture severity and their progress followed with respect to complication rate. A strong correlation between complication rate and fracture severity was established.

Jackson-Weiss syndrome: clinical and radiological findings in a large kindred and exclusion of the gene from 7p21 and 5qter

We describe the clinical and radiological manifestations of the Jackson-Weiss syndrome (JWS) in a large South Australian kindred. Radiological abnormalities not previously described in the hands include coned epiphyses, distal and middle phalangeal hypoplasia, and carpal bone malsegmentation. New radiological findings in the feet include coned epiphyses, hallux valgus, phalangeal, tarso-navicular and calcaneonavicular fusions, and uniform absence of metatarsal fusions. Absence of linkage to eight markers along the short arm of chromosome 7 excluded allelism between JWS and Saethre-Chotzen syndrome at 7p21. No linkage was detected to D5S211, excluding allelism to another recently described cephalosyndactyly syndrome mapping to 5qter.

Patterns of mandibular fractures in Adelaide, South Australia

Facial fractures are exceedingly common, and fractures of the mandible are the most common facial fracture. Over the past two decades a changing trend in the aetiology of these fractures has been apparent, with a decline in the percentage resulting from motor vehicle trauma, and an increase in the percentage resulting from assaults. A 3 year prospective study of 324 patients presenting to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with mandibular fractures was conducted and the patient groups, influence of alcohol, aetiology and type of fracture were examined and compared with other large series from around the world.

Depo-Provera: an injectable contraceptive

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) is now approved for use as an injectable contraceptive. It is highly effective and has the advantage of only needing to be administered once every 12 weeks. The most common side effects are menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea in particular. Several illustrative cases are presented that demonstrate appropriate patient selection for this agent.

Mandibular lengthening by distraction for airway obstruction in Treacher-Collins syndrome

Mandibular lengthening by distraction was performed in a 6-year-old tracheostomy-dependent Treacher-Collins syndrome patient. Detailed preoperative imaging revealed an occluded retrotongue base pharyngeal airway, which, following mandibular distraction, became patent and permitted tracheostomy removal. Mandibular distraction as a technique must be targeted toward clinical problems--management of upper-airway obstruction may be one such scenario.

Associated injuries in facial fractures: review of 839 patients

Patients with facial trauma may have associated injuries requiring immediate or specialised attention. This paper reports the incidence and nature of significant associated neurosurgical, ocular, spinal, torso and extremity injuries in facial fracture patients treated by the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from June 1989 to June 1992. Of 839 patients treated during the period, 95 patients (11.3%) sustained significant concomitant injuries outside the facial skeleton. There were 45 (5.4%) patients with associated neurosurgical injuries, 33 (3.9%) with ocular injuries, 8 (0.9%) with spinal injuries, 16 (1.9%) with injuries of the torso, and 62 (7.4%) with injuries of the extremities. The spectrum of the injuries is presented. Most neurosurgical injuries are a result of focal impact and the intervention required is related mainly to local fracture management and the repair of dural tears. The risk of significant ocular injury is highest when the fracture involves the orbit. Injuries of the spine, torso (chest, abdomen, pelvis), and limbs were seen mainly in road trauma patients.

Cephaloceles: classification, pathology, and management--a review

The spectrum of diseases that give rise to cephaloceles is reviewed with particular reference to conditions encountered by craniofacial teams. The broad term cephalocele contains the more focused term meningoencephalocele, which is most commonly used by craniofacial surgeons. The interesting pathology of frontoethmoidal meningoencephaloceles is described with reference to the experience of the Australian Craniofacial Unit from 1975 to 1993. Further observations supporting the uniqueness of this entity are made. Although the meningoencephalocele associated with craniofacial clefts does not in itself affect treatment, the management of frontoethmoidal meningoencephaloceles is dependent on a knowledge of their unique natural history. Long-term follow-up has allowed a number of conclusions to be reached in the light of treatment. Basal and posttraumatic encephaloceles are described with respect to their place in the classification system as well as the principles of treatment.

Sports-related facial fractures: a review of 137 patients

One hundred and thirty-seven patients with sports-related facial fractures were reviewed. These made up 16.3% of 839 patients with facial fractures seen at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, between June 1989 and June 1992. Males made up 93.4% of patients and 89.1% were aged below 35 years. There was an intent to injure in 11%. Australian Rules football was the causative sport in 52.6%, all the injuries being the result of human contact. Orbitozygomatic fractures were the most frequently observed overall (62%) as well as in Australian Football (58.3%). Cricket contributed to 14.6%, the ball being the agent of injury in all but one of the patients. Horse-riding injuries were the most severe. 89.1% of the patients required surgery and hospital stays ranged from 0 to 18 days with an average stay of 4.7 days. Sports activities, although a significant source of enjoyment, are a significant cause of facial fractures with their attendant morbidity.

Basal encephalocoele: imaging and exposing the hernia

Basal encephalocoeles are rarely reported anomalies. Eight cases seen by one unit manifested external facial features and internal cerebral anomalies characteristic of the individual encephalocoele subgroups. CT and MR imaging delineates the anatomy of the skeletal defect and the associated cerebral abnormalities. Such imaging of cases of median cleft face syndrome may identify previously unsuspected basal encephalocoeles. Transcranial correction with increased exposure, if needed, by the technique of facial bipartition has been performed in five cases.

Apert's syndrome

This paper discusses 33 cases of Apert's syndrome which were treated in the Australian Craniofacial unit at the adelaide Children's Hospital. The main features were discussed. We found that mild ventricular dilatation is common in Apert's syndrome but without associated raised intracranial pressure. Severe ventricular dilatation was seen in only one case. No shunt procedures were performed. We also studied the changes in the ventricular size after transcranial corrective procedures. There was no significant change in the ventricular size, the increase in the skull volume was compensated by expansion of the brain tissue and to some extent by increase in the subarachnoid space. Two cases with unusual features are also described.

Progressive hemifacial atrophy (Romberg's disease): skeletal involvement and treatment

Progressive hemifacial atrophy (Romberg's disease) manifests variable involvement of the skin, soft tissue and underlying cranio-facial skeleton. Significant bony deformation has been identified in those patients with early onset disease, the result of factors both intrinsic to the disease process and secondary to the abnormal environment in which the skeleton develops (functional matrix). Treatment demands combined osteotomy and augmentation of the skeleton in concert with conventional approaches to soft tissue correction.

The cloverleaf skull anomaly: managing extreme cranio-orbitofaciostenosis

The cloverleaf skull anomaly represents the most manifestly extreme form of cranio-orbitofaciostenosis with hydrocephalus that has to date been associated with a uniformly poor outcome and frequent death in infancy. Assessment of the primary deformity and the approach to treatment in a consecutive series of 10 patients with the cloverleaf skull anomaly in the one unit are presented. Early predictable surgical correction of the cranio-stenosis is possible by fronto-orbital advancement and lambdoid craniectomy. Less satisfactory correction of hydrocephalus and orbitostenosis is possible with the attendant increased morbidity. Early survival and the potential for a satisfactory long-term outcome depend on the management of the faciostenosis and an airway that may be anomalous at multiple levels. The initial approach was routine tracheostomy, which provided short-term relief but with the morbidity associated with such airway maintenance in any environment other than the most sophisticated health services. More recently, upper airway surgery (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, adenoidectomy, and soft palatal split) has ensured airway control and avoided the progression to tracheostomy. When utilized later (1 to 10 years), such surgery may alleviate the symptoms of upper airway obstruction and sleep apnea and permit delay of midfacial advancement.

Aggressive surgical management of sleep apnea syndrome in the syndromal craniosynostoses

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) frequently develops in patients with craniosynostosis and associated midfacial stenosis. In the past, conservative measures or tracheostomy have been used to manage this condition. Although the course of OSAS in these patients is multifactorial, a major factor is the marrow nasopharyngeal space. Aggressive surgical intervention to enlarge the nasopharyngeal space can reduce the severity of OSAS and therefore avoid the need for tracheostomy. Surgical approaches include adenotonsillectomy, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, and midface advancement.

Posterior pharyngeal tattooing: localising the implant in velopharyngeal incompetence

A technique of preoperative localisation of pharyngeal wall implants for velopharyngeal incompetence is described. The nasal approach in the non-sedated patient permits precise and permanent posterior pharyngeal wall tattooing for accurate implant location.

Soft tissue expansion in the management of the rare craniofacial clefts

Management of the rare craniofacial clefts requires correction of both the soft tissue and skeletal hypoplasia. Tissue expansion of adjacent and distant soft tissue has been used to reconstruct these facial clefts with like quality tissue. Additionally, such soft tissue expansion permits tension free reconstruction of the skeletal clefts by osteotomy and bone graft.

Craniofacial clefting and sutural dystopia

Sutural anomalies in conjunction with craniofacial clefting are unusual. A case of median frontal clefting is presented in which there was an absence of a normal metopic suture and replacement by paramedian frontal sutures. The association of an underlying brain anomaly, with attendant surgical difficulties, is noted, as are the radiological techniques of preoperative diagnosis.

Crouzon twins with cloverleaf skull malformations

We describe unique monozygotic twins with Crouzon's disease and cloverleaf-shaped skull deformities who have been closely followed since birth. Their abnormal skull shapes were identified during antenatal ultrasound examination. The twins had gross exophthalmos and hydrocephalus with papilledema, so early calvarial decompression surgery was required. Although born to healthy parents of normal appearance, a third cousin of the twins had a milder form of Crouzon's disease, and there was a family history of high-arched palate on the twins' paternal side. Because Crouzon's disease is an uncommon condition and the cloverleaf skull shape is unusual in patients with Crouzon's disease, identical twins with this constellation of deformities must be exceptionally rare.

The missing maxilla: restoring aesthetic balance with mandibular surgery

Traumatic loss of large portions of the maxilla remains uncommon. Reconstruction demands careful attention to both the anatomy of the primary deformity as well as the associated secondary changes if there is to be acceptable restoration of facial aesthetics and function. In concert with rebuilding the missing maxilla, reconstruction may frequently involve repositioning the apparently undisturbed mandible.

The treatment of facial disharmony and malocclusion by jaw surgery. Case reports

Examples are given of the Australian Cranio-Facial Unit's methods of dealing with facial disharmony and malocclusion by orthognathic surgery. Members of the Unit specialize in different aspects of craniofacial structure and function, and their teamwork is described. Treatment planning and assessment are illustrated by traditional cephalometric and other analytical procedures, and by pattern profile analysis. An appraisal is made of the Unit's increasing use of computer technology to facilitate these analyses, and to integrate various sources of information about facial disharmony.

Frontofacial advancement with a free flap: deadspace versus drainage

Presented is an adult case of Crouzon's syndrome undergoing a single stage frontofacial advancement where the employment of a microvascular free flap for extradural deadspace obliteration and to seal any communication with the nose may have contributed to the development of a major extradural infection.

Neuropsychologic outcome after craniofacial fracture

Forty eight patients with facial fractures resulting from trauma were admitted to a Plastic Surgical Unit. The fractures were treated on standard lines and ten of the patients required craniotomy for CSF rhinorrhea or repair of depressed frontal fractures. Neuropsychologic assessment was carried out on all patients approximately 17 months after the initial injury. An assessment of the extent to which the trauma had affected the personality and social adjustment of each individual was also carried out at that time. In four patients there was no evidence of any neuropsychologic impairment on any of the tests administered. The neuropsychologic deficits were most noticeable in those who had suffered a cranial fracture. In patients with facial fractures but no evidence of cranial fractures, there was no association between neuropsychologic impairment and site of injury. Loss of consciousness was associated with poor social adjustment and a marked change in personality. The best predictor of subsequent neuropsychologic deficits and social maladjustment was found to be the Glasgow Coma Score at the point of admission to the hospital after injury. It is concluded that with this type of injury careful neuropsychologic assessment is important in identifying the subtle deficits that might otherwise remain undetected.

Monocortical non-compression miniplate osteosynthesis of mandibular angle fractures

The technique of monocortical non-compression miniplate fixation of mandibular angle fractures is reviewed. A study of our first 50 patients treated using this technique reveals that consistent reduction and stabilization of these mandibular fractures can be achieved without the requirement for intermaxillary fixation. Such results were produced with minimal postoperative morbidity.

Craniofacial osseous landmark determination from stereo computer tomography reconstructions

The accurate and reproducible determination of the three dimensional (3D) co-ordinate positions of anatomical landmarks from computer tomography (CT) images has been limited even though potentially the data have been available for several years. This paper describes a method of acquisition of osseous landmark positions using an off-line computing technique based on multiple stereo images of 3D CT reconstructions. The use of stereo pairs greatly enhances the consistent identification of osseous landmarks. Further, the technique is of particular value where access to the CT scanner is restricted due to heavy clinical demand and separate high quality graphics facilities are unavailable. Osseous landmark position data were determined for dried skulls and patients with craniofacial conditions. Accuracies of the order 1.7mm (median) were obtained. These results encourage the use of the technique for acquisition of landmark positions for the study of the craniofacial complex in three dimensions.

Obstructive sleep apnea in Apert's and Pfeiffer's syndromes: more than a craniofacial abnormality

Nine acrocephalosyndactyly type I patients (Apert's syndrome) and three acrocephalosyndactyly type V patients (Pfeiffer's syndrome) were evaluated for the relative importance of upper and lower airway abnormalities in the generation of obstructive sleep apnea. All patients were found to have a combination of upper and lower abnormalities. The influence of lower pathology was greater in the infants, and the influence of upper airway, specifically pharyngeal, was greater in the adults. A comparison between preoperative and postoperative polysomnography revealed little improvement with standard craniofacial advancements. Furthermore, three patients are described who succumbed to pulmonary death despite tracheostomy. Conservative treatment with prone or lateral positioning and medical pulmonary regimens is advocated. Finally, the pathogenesis of this diffuse airway pathology is discussed.

Application and comparison of techniques for three-dimensional analysis of craniofacial anomalies

Traditionally, cephalometric analysis has been limited to data determined from two-dimensional (2-D) cephalograms. With imaging facilities such as CT and biplanar radiography now available, the natural extension has been towards the use of three-dimensional (3-D) coordinate positions of landmarks for comparative purposes. While these data have been potentially available for several years, the accurate and reproducible extraction of anatomic landmarks suitable for comparative purposes has been limited. This paper presents results of the application of traditional comparative techniques to well determined 3-D coordinate data acquired from biplanar radiography and CT for a patient with Treacher Collins syndrome and further provides a comparison with the technique of strain analysis, often referred to as finite element analysis, which has been applied recently to craniofacial data. Comparisons of distances and angles between landmarks, landmark coordinate positions, and strains of the patient relative to experimental reference standards reveal that the essential skeletal features of Treacher Collins syndrome have been identified and quantified by the analysis techniques. Further, a measure of the significance of the deviations has been determined by comparisons with the experimental reference standards.

Craniofacial deformation in cystic hygroma

Mandibular and dentoalveolar deformities associated with cystic hygroma of the head and neck have previously been described. This small series has identified changes involving the entire craniofacial skeleton, attributable to both the local and distant effects of massive facial lymphangiomas, without evidence of any actual soft tissue ingrowth into bone. In view of the inability to excise such lesions and normalize the soft tissue anatomy, the surgical approach to the craniofacial skeletal abnormality should be to reserve the required osteotomies or ostectomies until the completion of facial growth.

Facial dysmorphology in the neglected paediatric head and neck burn

The morphological distortion of the facial skeleton induced by untreated paediatric burns of the head and neck reinforces the theories of craniofacial growth and the modern principles of acute burn management and post-burn facial reconstruction.

Surgical correction of Crouzon syndrome

This study analyzes the results of surgical treatment in 39 patients with the Crouzon syndrome. Early fronto-orbital advancement and craniectomy were universally successful in relieving raised intracranial pressure and in reducing ocular proptosis. However, definitive cosmetic correction was not achieved, and early cranial surgery was not able to prevent the development of midface hypoplasia. Thirty-two midfacial advancements have been performed in 30 patients. Sixteen patients had sufficient follow-up data for more than 2 years postoperatively. In all patients, a satisfactory early postoperative result was achieved. In the long-term follow-up group, 11 patients have maintained a satisfactory appearance, while 5 have developed recurrent deformity. Analysis shows this to be associated with a younger age at operation and continued mandibular growth. Frontofacial advancement in adults achieves good long-term results but is associated with a higher incidence of complications.

Oblique craniofacial fractures in children

The protected childhood environment and the anatomy of the craniofacial skeleton largely protect children from experiencing facial fractures. However, when major trauma to the head and face is sustained, an oblique pattern of fractures has been observed, distinct from those common in adults and explicable in terms of the anatomic differences between the child's and the adult's head and face. This difference in pattern of facial fracturing is relevant in terms of the examination, investigation and treatment of the primary injury, and prevention of any subsequent facial growth disturbances.

Cephaloceles: classification, pathology, and management

A cephalocele is defined as a herniation of cranial contents through a defect in the skull. Cephaloceles are classified according to their contents and location. We have reviewed a total of 112 patients with cephaloceles, 51 of whom had sincipital meningoencephaloceles (fronto-ethmoidal meningoencephaloceles). This group is distinctive in its demographic distribution, in the effect on growth of other facial structures, and in the combined craniofacial approach needed to treat them. This review is based on the sincipital encephaloceles with the other cephaloceles included for completeness. Despite many theories, the cause of congenital cephalocele is not known. Preoperative work-up includes 3-dimensional computed tomography scan of the facial skeleton, and surgical management is multidisciplinary in nature. The aim is to remove the lesion before the deformity has time to greatly distort facial growth, which appears to realign itself after surgery. The 50 patients who underwent surgery for fronto-ethmoidal encephalocele all survived with minimal complications.

Tessier clefts revisited with a third dimension

The classification by Tessier of rare craniofacial clefts brought, for the surgeon, order to a previously confusing array of anatomic and developmental descriptions. An ordered two-dimensional categorization of severe clefting malformations evolved from his clinical, radiologic, and surgical observations. The purpose of this paper is to report a complete series of facial clefts studied with computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional reconstruction. The CT analysis supports some, but contradicts other, hypotheses and speculations presented by Tessier. The CT data reveal the scale of the reconstructive challenge and allow the assessment of our therapeutic interventions.

Hydrocephalus in Crouzon's syndrome

We reviewed 42 cases of Crouzon's syndrome. There were 16 cases with ventricular dilation. We believe that shunt should be inserted after fronto-orbital advancement if there are persistent signs of raised intracranial pressure. However, in cases presenting with severe ventricular dilation and papilloedema, a shunt is inserted prior to fronto-orbital advancement. Medium- or high-pressure systems should be used.

Cantilever nasal bone grafting with miniscrew fixation

A technique of rigid miniscrew fixation of cantilever nasal bone grafts is described. This produces stable, predictable nasal contour and tip projection without significant bone graft resorption.

The Tessier number 9 cleft

The clinical, radiologic, and operative examination of two patients with the Tessier number 9 cleft has allowed the first complete description of this, the rarest of the rare craniofacial clefts. Soft-tissue disruption extends from the lateral third of the upper eyelid through a distorted lateral end of the eyebrow to the temporal scalp, with an associated hairline indicator. The skeletal disturbance similarly radiates superolaterally from the superolateral orbital rim across the greater wing of the splenoid to the upper squamous temporal. The three-dimensional extent of the bony disruption is associated with distortion of the cranial base and calvaria above.

Computer-based coding of fractures in the craniofacial region

A systematic approach to the coding of fractures in the craniofacial region is presented. An alpha-numeric code is formulated from an alpha component depicting the anatomical region of interest and a number which reflects the degree of disruption.