Prenatal diagnosis and treatment of craniomaxillofacial anomalies

Many advances in health care are built on the evolution of technology. An entirely new patient has emerged in fetal medicine, with these advances in prenatal imaging allowing one to see and diagnose disease not previously appreciated. Clinicians can better plan for the delivery of the neonate, with identified anomalies being optimally managed and the impact on the neonate's health minimized. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon offers expertise in the management of craniomaxillofacial anomalies, including congenital tumors, facial clefts, craniosynostosis, micrognathia, and other congenital abnormalities. The techniques for perinatal care of the patient with craniofacial abnormalities continue to evolve as the technology improves. The authors describe their experience and some of the more common abnormalities with their management considerations that may be encountered by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon on the fetal diagnosis and treatment team.