Craniofacial microsomia

Abstract

CFM is one of the main terms used to describe the congenital abnormality characterized by underdeveloped facial features arising from the first and second branchial arches. Other terms used to describe such a condition include hemifacial microsomia (HFM), first and second branchial arch syndrome, Goldenhar syndrome (GS), otomandibular dysostosis and oculoauriculovertebral syndrome. In 1989, Cohen et al came up with the term oculoauriculovertebral spectrum to include all of the different phenotypical variations that can be seen in this condition. Even though there is no definite diagnostic criteria for CFM, affected patients will all suffer from some degree of hypoplasia affecting the facial tissues namely skeletal and soft tissue, ear, orbit and facial nerve.