[Growth of maxillo-facial region and related anomalies.]

Since maxillo-facial region is quite complex, growth and developmental defect cause various anomalies. It is known that 70% of whole genetic disorders have any symptom or abnormal condition in maxilla-facial region. Cleft lip and/or palate is the most popular congenital anomaly and is seen in 0.2% of general population. Cases with Treacher Collins syndrome and Robin sequence are with respiratory problem due to the small mandible or mandibular retrusion. Achondroplasia is a genetic disease with short-limbed dwarfism due to abnormal proliferation or differentiation of chondrocytes. Interestingly, in this disease, growth of condylar cartilage is not impaired and causes mandibular prognathism. In this review, various diseases caused by the abnormality in growth and development of maxilla-facial region are discussed.