Occification Defects and Craniofacial Morphology in Incomplete Forms of Mandibulofacia Dysostosis

Abstract

The morphology of two East Indian dry skulls exhibiting anomalies which were suggested to represent incomplete forms of mandibulofacial dysostosis is described. Obvious although minor ossification anomalies were found localized to the temporal, sphenoid, the zygomatic, the maxillary and the mandibular bones. The observations substantiate the concept of the regional and bilateral nature of this malformation syndrome. Bilateral orbital deviations, hypoplasia of the malar bones, and incomplete zygomatic arches appear to be hard tissue aberrations which may be helpful in examination for subclinical carrier status. Changes in mandibular morphology seem to be less distinguishing features in incomplete or abortive types of mandibulofacial dysostosis.