New developments in craniofacial surgery research

The recent explosion in our understanding of developmental biology and gene tics has enhanced our understanding of craniofacial biology. While it is no t possible to summarize all new developments in craniofacial research, this article will review three areas: fetal models and surgery for craniofacial disorders, the biology of distraction osteogenesis, and the molecular mech anisms of cranial suture fusion, Numerous models of craniofacial disorders have been described, including small, short gestation and large, long gesta tion, The benefits and shortcomings of each are discussed. In addition, we discuss recent studies investigating the molecular mechanisms of mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Finally, we present a review of recent advances in the understanding of mechanisms of craniosynostosis, with particular emp hasis on the biology of programmed cranial suture fusion in rodents.