Craniofacial Surgery Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
nasolabial angle
The angle formed between the nose and upper lip in profile view, used to assess facial aesthetics and surgical outcomes.
alveolar molding
Presurgical technique using appliances to guide growth and alignment of alveolar segments in cleft patients.
ankylosis
Fusion or immobility of a joint, commonly affecting the temporomandibular joint in craniofacial patients.
apert syndrome
A genetic disorder characterized by premature fusion of skull sutures and syndactyly of hands and feet.
BAHA
A bone-anchored hearing aid that transmits sound through direct bone conduction via an implanted titanium fixture.
bicoronal incision
A surgical incision extending across the scalp from ear to ear, behind the hairline, providing wide exposure for cranial...
bimaxillary protrusion
Forward positioning of both upper and lower jaws, often requiring surgical setback for correction.
bitemporal narrowing
Decreased width of the skull at the temporal regions, often seen in craniosynostosis.
blowout fracture
An orbital floor or medial wall fracture without involving the orbital rim.
bony ankylosis
Complete fusion of joint surfaces by bone tissue, causing total loss of joint mobility.
brachycephaly
A shortened skull shape with increased width, often resulting from bilateral coronal suture fusion.
BSSO
Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible used to correct jaw deformities.
buccal fat pad
A specialized fat compartment in the cheek used as a pedicled flap for oral and maxillary reconstruction.
calvarial bone graft
Autologous bone harvested from the skull vault used for craniofacial reconstruction.
canthal dystopia
Abnormal positioning of the inner or outer corner of the eyelid.
canthopexy
Surgical procedure to reposition and secure the lateral or medial canthal tendon.
cephalometric tracing
Hand-drawn or digital outline of anatomical structures on lateral skull radiographs for analysis.
cephalometry
Radiographic measurement technique used to analyze skull and facial bone proportions for surgical planning.
cleft lip and palate
Congenital facial malformation requiring staged surgical repair and multidisciplinary team management.
commissuroplasty
Surgical repair of the oral commissure (corner of mouth) to restore normal anatomy and function.
cranial index
A measurement ratio used to classify skull shape by comparing maximum width to maximum length.
cranial molding helmet
A custom-fitted orthotic device used to treat positional plagiocephaly and other cranial asymmetries in infants.
cranial vault reconstruction
Surgical reshaping of the skull to correct deformities and accommodate normal brain growth.
craniofacial
Relating to the skull and facial bones as a unified anatomical system requiring specialized surgical expertise.
craniosynostosis
Premature fusion of skull sutures in infants, requiring surgical intervention to prevent increased intracranial pressure...