Rare craniofacial clefts in Ibadan

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital craniofacial clefts are anatomical distortions of the face and cranium with deficiencies of excess of tissue in a linear pattern. The exact incidence of craniofacial clefts is unknown because cases are rare and series tend to be small. The aim of this study is to document our experience with congenital craniofacial clefts at Ibadan.
Method: This is a retrospective review of patients with rare craniofacial clefts seen by the cleft team in University College Hospital, Ibadan from August 2006 to April 2010. A summary of the patients with craniofacial clefts is presented.
Results: Eight patients presented with a total of 13 clefts. The commonest cleft was Tessier no.7. The multidisciplinary approach to the management of the patients is discussed and limitations to optimal care are highlighted.
Conclusions: Rare craniofacial cleft constitute a management challenge in a tertiary hospital in a developing country. There is a need for the creation of craniofacial centres for the management of these patients.

Keywords: Craniofacial cleft, multidisciplinary