Hemifacial Microsomia Caused by First and Second Brachial Arch Syndrome Treated with Orthodontic Approach: A Case Report.

AIM AND

OBJECTIVE

To present a growing patient with unilateral mandibular hypoplasia and microtia involved in the first and second branchial arch syndrome (FSBAS) treated with functional appliance.

BACKGROUND

The FSBAS comprises several developmental facial hypoplasia in ear and maxillofacial bones, resulting in hemifacial microsomia. Treatment for hemifacial microsomia varies greatly depending on the grade of mandibular deformities. Functional appliance treatment during growth period is available for mild to moderate mandibular deformities. However, there are few reports of hemifacial microsomia treated with functional appliance.

CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient, an 8-year-and-5-month-old girl, had a chief complaint of mandibular deviation. She had been diagnosed with the FSBAS at birth. Her facial profile was straight and panoramic radiograph indicated that the mandibular ramal height of the affected side was about 60.4% compared to the unaffected side. The occlusal cant was 6°, and the right maxilla and mandible showed severe growth deficiency. At the age of 10 years, functional appliance with expander was used; for 2 years 6 months, the maxillomandibular growth was controlled and from panoramic radiograph, the ramus height of the affected side was increased to 65.0% compared to the unaffected left mandibular ramus. At the age of 12 years and 8 months, multibracket treatment was initiated. After 32 months of active treatment, proper occlusion with functional Class I canine and molar relationships was obtained, although facial asymmetry associated with the difference of ramus heights still existed. The resulting occlusion was stable during 1.5-year retention period.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated the importance of orthopedic treatment during growth period in the patient with hemifacial microsomia involving the FSBAS.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This report proposes an efficacy of conventional orthodontic treatment for growing patients with hemifacial microsomia involved in the FSBAS.