Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is the 2nd most common craniofacial birth defect after cleft lip and palate. It is said to arise from the 1st & 2nd intrauterine branchial arches. HFM is believed by many experts to be congenital but not inherited as most patients afflicted have no previous family history. It also known as craniofacial microstomia with cranial involvement. The real cause is unknown but largely blamed on hemorrhage of the stapaedial artery. The phenotypic expression is variable from mild to severe involving many structures such as bone, nerve, muscular tissues and soft tissue. Facial structures commonly affected include the ears, the mouth and the mandible. Mostly unilateral but bilateral have been reported. However, not much is known about this condition in sub-Saharan Africa. Multidisciplinary team management is the general consensus for optimal care. Awareness in sub-Saharan Africa of this disorder is still evolving. This review identifies various classifications, diagnoses, investigations, treatment and timelines for management of HFM. The aim of the current review was to discuss the diverse controversies, classification, diagnosis and treatment of HFM so as to increase the understanding of this condition.
Keywords: Classification; Congenital malformation; Distraction osteogenesis; Hemifacial microsomia; Hypoplasia; Orthognathic surgery; Syndrome.
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