Tumors
Recent advances in craniofacial surgery have made procedures to remove tumors possible that only a few years ago were considered inoperable. Among the most dramatic of these is the surgery involving a facial split. This major breakthrough is an application of craniofacial surgery that has enabled neurosurgeons to reach inoperable or poorly accessible tumors at the base of the skull.

Other techniques that combine the skill of the craniofacial surgeon and neurosurgeon include:

• Fibrous dysplasia: A tumor involving the craniofacial area. Usually benign, it occurs when a normal bone-forming substance produces a form of fibrous connective tissue. It may involve one or multiple bones. Any bone of the skull may be involved. The dysplasia advances slowly, but may present danger to vital areas such as the optic nerve or middle ear.

• Neurofibromas: Abnormal tissue growing from a nerve sheath. When present in the craniofacial region, neurofibromas are most often found in or near the orbits. Skin pigmentation, skeletal deformities and central nervous system involvement may also be present.

Surgery for Facial Fractures
Advancements in craniofacial surgery and new techniques for viewing facial fractures now permit surgeons to correctly repair such injuries. The best time to correct a craniofacial fracture is within the first few days of the injury. Old, misaligned fractures also can be improved by craniofacial techniques.