Difficulties and problems to be solved in the approach to craniofacial malformations

Orbitocraniofacial surgery offers great possibilities to some grossly deformed patients. It is unlike any other aspect of plastic surgery, meriting the creation of a new full-time specialty. The development of a few regional clinical basic science teams located strategically throughout North America is suggested. The primary aim of the teams should be a broad interdisciplinary approach involving basic and clinical research focused on craniofacial anomalies. However, to bring all the necessary multidisciplinary groups into an interdisciplinary team requires central funding to make available the necessary commitment of time to organize a unified thrust of research effort.