Craniofacial growth

Craniofacial growth represents a complex enlargement and differentiation of hard and soft tissues, characterized by cephalocaudal and allometric patterns. The cranial base matures earlier than the face and is used cephalometrically as a relatively stable reference area. The maxilla, although intimately associated with the cranium, exhibits some independent growth, particularly in the vertical dimension. The mandible, hanging in a sling of muscles and articulating only at the temporomandibular fossae and with the opposing dentition, is purportedly able to adapt its shape and position in space to some extent as a function of condylar growth ¹⁾.

The development of the craniofacial skeleton occurs as a result of a sequence of normal developmental events: brain growth and development, optic pathway development, speech and swallowing development, airway and pharyngeal development, muscle development, and tooth development and eruption ²⁾.

There were no identified differences in craniofacial growth in pediatric patients undergoing Endoscopic endonasal approach for skull base tumor resection as compared to the control group. Endoscopic endonasal approach does not appear to significantly interfere with midface/skull base development and is a good surgical option for pediatric patients ³⁾.