Craniofacial anomalies and three-dimensional imaging modalities with reference to the Egyptian experience

Craniofacial anomalies are defined as the abnormalities in this anatomical area. It could be due to genetic causes or environmental ones. Broadly, they can be clefts, craniosynostoses, craniofacial microsomia, midline defects, eye, ear, jaw, dental, and vascular malformations. Due to the complexity of the head and neck anatomy, they are best visualized using three-dimensional (3D) imaging technologies. This impacts the diagnosis of disorders and can even change it at some instances. Treatment planning using 3D imaging modalities as well as interventions, particularly with the advent of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing and 3D printing technologies, have considerably impacted the outcome of maxillofacial surgeries or orthodontic rehabilitation. It is safe to say that they left nothing to the imagination during surgeries, provided you have the indicated technique for the case. Finally, the Egyptian experience was found to be full of novel techniques utilizing these modalities, particularly in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, yet the number of studies was scanty and the fact that craniofacial anomalies are rare makes it mandatory to go for multicenter studies. This review recommends that these studies start by 3D morphometric measurements of the Egyptian head using 3D technologies in all governorates.