Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. There is a wide spectrum of craniofacial bone disorders and dysplasias because embryological development of the craniofacial region is complex. Classification of craniofacial bone disorders and dysplasias is also complex because they exhibit complex clinical, pathological, and molecular heterogeneity. Most craniofacial disorders and dysplasias are rare but they present an array of phenotypes that functionally impact the orofacial complex.
Management of craniofacial disorders is a multidisciplinary approach that involves the collaborative efforts of multiple professionals. This review provides an overview of the complexity of craniofacial disorders and dysplasias from molecular, clinical, and management perspectives. Craniofacial disorders are genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous. Most craniofacial disorders are rare and have different inheritance patterns.
Prominent localized craniofacial disorders and dysplasia have systemic components. Some craniofacial disorders can present syndromically or in isolation. Treatment of craniofacial disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach. The genetic origin of most skeletal disorders has been identified and the craniofacial bone malformations that result have overlapping molecular, clinical, and radiographic presentations.
Craniofacial skeletal disorders are generally associated with dysregulation of cell differentiation, bone patterning and development as well as alterations in bone density and ossification patterns Foster et al. While some disorders present in the craniofacial bones symmetrical, others present asymmetrically Luo et al. The head region is anatomically complex. All higher vertebrates share the same embryological blueprints during development that involves an integration of ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm germ layers.
Cranial neural crest cells, a migratory population of multipotent stem cells interacts with the germ layers to form a substantial part of the bones, cartilage, odontoblasts and connective tissues of the craniofacial region and tooth morphogenesis Brugmann et al. However, the complexity involved in the integration of the germ layers and precise regulation of stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration to the appropriate regions of the head during development often results in craniofacial disorders and dysplasias.
