Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
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Monroe Carell Jr.
Children's Hospital
at Vanderbilt
2200 Children's Way
Nashville, TN 37232

(615) 936-1000

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Home / A–Z Services / Plastic Surgery / Craniofacial Treatment Center / Craniofacial Conditions We Treat
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Craniofacial Conditions We Treat
 

Cleft Lip and PalateCleft Lip and Palate
This is a separation of the parts or segments of the lip or roof of the mouth, which usually join together during the early weeks of development of an unborn child. A cleft lip is a separation of the two sides of the lip and often includes the bones of the jaw and/or the upper gum. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth and can vary in severity. Children with these conditions have difficulty with feeding and speech, and their appearance is often severely affected. The reconstruction of the bony and soft tissue is important for overall health and normal functioning. Early repair of facial clefts can positively affect the emotional well-being of the child.

 

CraniosytosisCraniosynostosis
 Craniosynostosis means fused bones of the skull. It is a condition that some children are born with and some develop later. A child's skull grows very rapidly during the first two years of life. Different bones that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle make up the skull. The areas where the bones meet one another are called sutures. When one of these sutures is fused too early, it is called craniosynostosis. When this happens, further growth in this area cannot occur. This may lead to overgrowth in another area, which results in an abnormally shaped skull. Surgery to correct craniosynostosis is best performed within the first three to six months of life.		  

Crouzon's SyndromeCrouzon's Syndrome
This is a condition in which sutures in the head are prematurely fused resulting in abnormal growth of the skull and face. The growth of the middle portion of the child's face does not keep up with the jaw, resulting in very irregular facial characteristics, such as bulging eyes, an upper jaw that is too far back and a lower jaw that is too far forward. They may have problems with teeth due to abnormal jaw growth.This can be corrected surgically by advancing the middle portion of the face, thus increasing the ability to cover the teeth and protect the eyes while giving a more pleasing appearance.		  

Apert's SyndromeApert's Syndrome
Apert's syndrome also results from premature fusion of the skull that causes abnormal growth of the skull and face. Syndactyly which is the fusion of the fingers and commonly known as webbing, is found with this syndrome. Children with Apert's have bulging eyes that are usually wide-set and tilted down at the sides. They usually have problems with teeth alignment due to the underdevelopment of the upper jaw. Surgery can also be performed to separate the fingers. This should be done as early as possible to increase the fingers' functional potential.		  

Treacher-Collins SyndromeTreacher-Collins' Syndrome
This syndrome is characterized by lack of bone development in the cheeks and around the eyes, causing the eyes and eyelids to droop at the sides. This syndrome also creates complex problems with the jaw and upper dental arch that require complex corrective surgery. Significant improvement can be obtained with craniofacial surgery.		  

Orbital HypertelorismOrbital Hypertelorism
This is a condition in which the position of the bones around the eyes is further to the side than the normal position, causing the eyes to be too far apart and grossly deforming the appearance. This can be corrected with a procedure called an orbital osteotomy. The excess bone between the eyes is removed, and the bone containing the eyes is moved back toward the middle of the face.  		  


Dental DeformitiesDental Deformities
There are many dental or biting difficulties that create severe problems. Patients may have underdeveloped jaws, projecting jaws or a mid-face that is too far back. These conditions can lead to facial deformity and bite problems, resulting in difficulty chewing as well as low self esteem. This type of short or long facial height can be corrected surgically by reducing or lengthening of the jaw. This creates a much more pleasing appearance and helps with normal tooth development. 

  


TMJTemporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ) 
TMJ is the acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. This can result in significant pain and impairment. For many patients, surgery and total joint reconstruction can make significant progress to relieve chronic pain. 

  


Head and Neck OncologyHead and Neck Oncology
Tumors of the craniofacial and facial skeleton require quick and efficient removal. In addition, cancer patients often require surgery to restore their appearance. The surgical team at the Craniofacial Treatment Center provides the expertise to address the multiple needs of patients with head or neck cancer for both tumor removal and reconstructive surgery. 

  

Last Edited: July 6, 2012
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