AMNIOTIC BAND FACIES

Craniofacial deformities of 14 patients with amniotic band syndrome at one institution were reviewed for morphologic similarities. In additi on to associated cleft lip and palate, vertical and oblique facial cle fts, which were not associated with embryologic lines of fusion, were seen. It is hypothesized that the prominence of the nasal processes co mbined with the adjacent stomodeal orifice results in utero surfaces, which can lead to free band attachment and adherence, resulting in a s pectrum of similarly oriented facial defects.