CLASSIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HEMIFACIAL MICROSOMIA: A LITERATURE REVIEW

摘要

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is the 2nd most common craniofacial birth defectafter cleft lip and palate. It is said to arise from the 1st & 2nd intrauterine branchialarches. HFM is believed by many experts to be congenital but not inherited asmost patients afflicted have no previous family history. It also known as craniofacialmicrostomia with cranial involvement. The real cause is unknown but largelyblamed on hemorrhage of the stapaedial artery. The phenotypic expression isvariable from mild to severe involving many structures such as bone, nerve,muscular tissues and soft tissue. Facial structures commonly affected include theears, the mouth and the mandible. Mostly unilateral but bilateral have been reported.However, not much is known about this condition in sub-Saharan Africa.Multidisciplinary team management is the general consensus for optimal care.Awareness in sub-Saharan Africa of this disorder is still evolving.