Craniofacial
Pertaining to both the cranium (skull) and the face, used to describe anomalies, surgery, or anatomy involving both regions.
Full Definition
The adjective 'craniofacial' describes structures, conditions, or surgical specialties that encompass the skull and facial skeleton together. It frequently appears in reports on congenital anomalies such as craniosynostosis, cleft lip and palate, and hemifacial microsomia. In dental and maxillofacial editorial copy, the term modifies nouns such as 'anomaly,' 'team,' 'surgery,' and 'growth.' Editors should note that 'orofacial' is a narrower term limited to mouth and face, while 'craniofacial' implies a broader anatomical scope including the calvarium. The word is always written as one unhyphenated word in modern usage.
Usage
Usage note: Always one word, no hyphen. Distinguish from the narrower 'orofacial' and the surgical specialty term 'maxillofacial.'
In Context
- "The cleft palate team included a craniofacial surgeon, orthodontist, and speech-language therapist." — Multidisciplinary team referral letter
- "Ensure 'craniofacial' is not hyphenated; current ADA and BDA style both treat it as a closed compound." — Style guide note