CURRENT CONCEPTS IN THE UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGEMENT OF HEMIFACIAL MICROSOMIA

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a complex congenital condition. This re view discusses recent research findings which affect all aspects of HF M, and addresses some prevailing misconceptions. Firstly, the broad ph enotype is outlined, with an emphasis on the facial anomalies which ar e important for diagnosis, classification and treatment. The range of HFM anomalies and their possible embryology also account for the varie d terms used in the literature. In addition, consideration of causatio n helps to shape our understanding of HFM as a clinical entity. Aetiol ogy is described with particular emphasis on the involvement of geneti c factors, although at present this is largely hypothetical. Finally, the principles of HFM management are reviewed. Attention is given to t he integrated planning and team approach necessary to treat such patie nts. In addition, the possible attributes of new treatments, such as d istraction osteogenesis, are highlighted.