Tessier Craniofacial Clefts

Abstract

Craniofacial clefts are extremely rare. In 1976, Paul Tessier developed a comprehensive numerical classification system to categorize craniofacial clefts based on precise anatomic location. In order to comprehend craniofacial cleft development, it is crucial to understand embryologic development of the face. Craniofacial clefts can be classified into 4 main categories: oral-nasal (number 0-3), oral-ocular (number 4-6), lateral face (number 7-9), and cranial (number 10-14). Treatment goals include restoring oral competence and function, achieving nasal symmetry, establishing separation of anatomically distinct cavities, addressing orbital asymmetries, hypotelorism, or hypertelorism, and reconstructing cranial defects caused from encephaloceles.

Keywords: Cleft; Congenital anomaly; Craniofacial cleft.