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Being born with a normal appearing face is something we often take for granted, but for some unfortunate children this is not the case. There are a great variety of craniofacial syndromes and birth defects that can occur ranging from cleft lip and palate to afflictions such as Crouzon's or Treacher Collins Syndrome. These disfiguring facial birth defects have great effect not only on a child's appearance but on his or her function, psychological development, and well being.
Early corrective surgery can have a tremendous positive impact on these children. Drs. Bianchi, Nordone and Kanter are experienced in treating the most severe craniofacial deformities and have been featured on the local, national, and international news for surgery performed on a 5 year old child with craniofacial microsomia utilizing computer generated stereolithographic models to plan the surgery. Using a computer generated 3-D model the doctors were able to actually perform the skeletal surgery on the model and shape the titanium bone plates that hold the bones together before even entering the operating room. Drs. Bianchi, Nordone and Kanter are members of the multidisciplinary cleft palate-craniofacial team at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children which allows their patients access to a team of the most experienced professionals from various medical and allied health specialties to deal with these complex problems.
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Top down view of Steriolithographic model showing severe depression of the left cheekbone and eyesocket region.
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Top down view of model after moving the midface and eyesockets into proer position.
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Frontal view of model prior to making bone incisions to move the midface and eyesockets.
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Side view of model after mobilizing the midface and eyesockets.
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Frontal view of model after mobilizing the midface and eyesockets.
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Frontal view of the model with midface and eyesockets in proper position with titanium bone plates bent to proper shape, ready for use in the operating room.
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Facial Reconstructive Surgery
Either through accident or illness such as benign or malignant facial or jaw tumors, many patients can present with disfiguring and debilitating facial defects. Drs. Bianchi, Nordone and Kanter have a great deal of experience in facial and jaw reconstructive surgery for patients with these difficult problems. Such post traumatic or post tumor resection deformities often require extensive soft tissue and bone graft reconstruction to replace missing anatomic structures and restore function.
Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons, such as Drs. Bianchi, Nordone and Kanter, offer a unique perspective as they are as much concerned with excellent function as well as the overall aesthetic appearance of the face and jaws of their patients. The doctors are well versed in the latest technology available for facial reconstructive surgery. Such techniques include craniofacial implants which utilizes techniques learned from years of placing dental implants to actually replace missing parts of the facial anatomy (i.e. ears, nose and eyes).
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Pre-Operative 3-D CAT scan showing extent of forehead defect.
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Post-operative 3-D CAT scan showing reconstructed forehead defect.
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