Traditionally, the diagnosis is made at the time of birth by physical examination. Recent advances in prenatal diagnosis have allowed obstetricians to diagnose facial<unk> s in utero with ultrasonography.<unk> s can also affect other parts of the face, such as the eyes, ears, nose, cheeks, and forehead. In 1976, Paul Tessier described fifteen lines of<unk> . Most of these craniofacial<unk> s are even rarer and are frequently described as Tessier<unk> s using the numerical locator devised by Tessier. Classification<unk>  is an "umbrella term" for a collection of orofacial<unk> s. It includes<unk> ing of the upper<unk> , the maxillary alveolus (dental arch), and the hard or soft<unk> , in various combinations. Proposed anatomic combinations include:<unk> <unk> <unk> <unk>  and alveolus<unk> <unk> , alveolus, and<unk> <unk> <unk>  and<unk>  (with an intact alveolus)<unk><unk>  Prenatal diagnosis<unk> <unk>  with or without<unk>  is classified as the most common congenital birth defect. It has been noted that the prevalence of orofacial<unk> s varies by race. The highest number of cases have been recorded among Asians and Native Americans, followed by Europeans, Hispanics and African-Americans. The critical period for<unk>  development ranges from the 4th to the 12th week of intrauterine life.<unk> s of the primary<unk>  develop between the 4th and 7th weeks of intrauterine life, while<unk> s of the secondary<unk>  develop between the 8th and 12th embryonic weeks. Accurate evaluation of craniofacial malformations is usually possible with the ultrasound scan performed during pregnancy. This is however not a routine procedure according to the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. The accuracy of ultrasonography for prenatal diagnosis of<unk> <unk>  +/-<unk>  is dependent on the experience of the sonologist, maternal body type, foetal position, the amount of amniotic fluid and the type of<unk> . Prenatal diagnosis enables appropriate and timely education and discussion with parents by the<unk>  team. This helps improve the quality of treatment received by the child and improves quality of life. An accurate prenatal diagnosis of the CLP anomaly is critical for establishing long-term treatment planning, prediction of treatment outcome, and discussion and education of the parent. Although there is no intrauterine treatment for CLP, both mother and child benefit from early diagnosis and education. A multidisciplinary team approach is now accepted as the standard of care in dealing with CLP patients. The time period immediately after the diagnosis and the 1st year after the birth is most challenging for parents. A systematically planned treatment plan and support system will help assist parents. The ultimate aim is to help educate parents and create awareness so as to improve care provided for the child.
Cleft lip and cleft palate
Malpuech facial clefting syndrome
Hemifacial microsomia
Anodontia
Acephaly
Hand and foot deformity with flat facies
Nager acrofacial dysostosis
Microcephaly