Management of craniofacial anomalies.

Children with craniofacial anomalies comprise a diverse group of patients, with problems involving many organ systems. In the fairly recent past, no satisfactory treatment was available for many of these problems. Through the contributions of Tessier and many other innovators, however, multidisciplinary groups such as the Medical University of South Carolina's Craniofacial Team are now able to offer substantial improvement to many patients with congenital or acquired deformities of the craniofacial region. The best reconstruction for any given patient can be determined only after a careful analysis of the patient's problems and the patient's and family's wishes. Using this approach, we are able to help many patients significantly. As we treat today's patients, however, we must continue to critically assess our results and improve our methods, for only through this process will tomorrow's patients enjoy even better outcomes than today's.