Signs and Symptoms
- Underdevelopment of bones in the upper jaw, giving the middle of the face a sunken look
- Difficulty eating and potential complications such as Nasopharyngeal airway restriction
- Forward head posture leading to back pain, neck pain, and numbness in the hands and arms
- Nasopharyngeal airway restriction causing sleep apnea and snoring
- Sleep apnea leading to heart problems, endocrine problems, increased weight, and cognition problems
Cause
- Genetic inheritance likely plays a role in isolated maxillary hypoplasia
- Maxillary hypoplasia can be associated with genetic syndromes like Angelman syndrome
- Fetal alcohol syndrome is linked to maxillary hypoplasia
- Injury to facial bones during childhood can cause atypical growth
- Exposure to Phenytoin in the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to maxillary hypoplasia
Pathophysiology
- Abnormal development of upper face bones, often secondary to other developmental abnormalities
- Cleft lip and palate can contribute to underdevelopment due to growth deficiency or scarring from surgical repair
- Structural issues in the ability to grow can cause maxillary hypoplasia
- Surgical repair of cleft lip or palate can also result in underdevelopment
- Developmental abnormality affects the growth of facial bones in the upper face
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis primarily based on visual inspection
- Flat cheekbones and nose, thin lips, and protruding lower jaw
- Computed tomography scan (CT scan) can be used to compare the size of the Maxilla and Mandible
- CT scan provides additional information for diagnosis
- Visual inspection is the main diagnostic method
Treatment
- Corrective surgery is the most common treatment for maxillary hypoplasia
- Repositioning of the upper jaw to align with the lower jaw for symmetry
- Best performed during childhood to allow for jaw recovery and development
- Orthodontist consultation for repositioning teeth in the mouth
- Severe cases may require surgical correction after craniofacial growth completion (around age 17-21)
Maxillary hypoplasia, or maxillary deficiency, is an underdevelopment of the bones of the upper jaw. It is associated with Crouzon syndrome, Angelman syndrome, as well as Fetal alcohol syndrome. It can also be associated with Cleft lip and cleft palate. Some people could develop it due to poor dental extractions.
| Maxillary hypoplasia | |
|---|---|
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| Specialty | Maxillofacial surgery |
