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)