Cranio-maxillofacial, orthodontic and dental treatment in three patients with Apert syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Apert syndrome is a severe developmental malformation, clinically characterised by craniosynostosis, midface hypoplasia, a cone-shaped calvarium, ocular manifestations, typical dental findings and syndactyly of the hands and feet. Early craniosynostosis of the coronal suture, the cranial base and agenesis of the sagittal suture are prodromal characteristics for the typical craniofacial appearance in patients with Apert syndrome.

CASE REPORTS: The aim of this report was to describe the maxillofacial and orthodontic management of three patients with Apert syndrome who attended the Craniofacial, Maxillofacial and Orthodontic clinics of the University Hospitals of the KU Leuven (Belgium). The typical clinical features, the general orthognathic treatment approach as well as individual approaches of three patients with Apert syndrome are being highlighted.

FOLLOW-UP: The three patients with Apert syndrome have been followed up very closely by all involved specialised departments as well as by multidisciplinary teams from birth.

CONCLUSION: This report demonstrated that a combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment plan could significantly improve the occlusal function as well as the facial and occlusal aesthetics in patients with Apert syndrome.