Open research questions in Craniofacial Disorders and Treatments
151 gap statements mined from Craniofacial Disorders and Treatments papers in our 7.9M-paper local library, which holds 1,267 papers on the topic — drawn mostly from each paper's own stated research gap, future-work, challenge and limitation notes, and its abstract. The ones listed below are a selection still marked open; each names the study that raised it, with a DOI link where the paper has one.
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What the literature leaves open
There is a lack of studies specifically examining the associations between positional cranial deformities and domain-specific neurodevelopmental outcomes in SGA infants. The current study aims to fill this gap by investigating the associations between positional cranial deformation and domain-specific neurodevelopmental performance among SGA infants.
Positional cranial deformation and domain-specific neurodevelopment in small-for-gestational-age infants: a cross-sectional study · 2026 · DOIThe prevalence of elevated ICP in scaphocephaly patients is estimated to be around 7%-44%. Determining the exact prevalence of elevated ICP is a challenge due to the low incidence and variations in study design. There is a need for further research to establish normative value ranges and to develop effective treatment strategies.
Delayed diagnosis of scaphocephaly after 1 year of age is associated with elevated intracranial pressure · 2026 · DOIFuture studies should examine the temporal and causal relationships between cranial morphology and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Future studies should control for all potential confounding variables. Future studies should examine the long-term effects of cranial deformation on neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Positional cranial deformation and domain-specific neurodevelopment in small-for-gestational-age infants: a cross-sectional study · 2026 · DOIThere are few studies utilizing 3D-printed CROs. The effectiveness of 3D-printed CROs for treating deformational head shapes is not well understood. The impact of treatment initiation age on the success of 3D-printed CROs is not well understood.
Impact of Age on Success of 3D-Printed Cranial Remolding Orthoses for Deformational Head Shapes · 2026 · DOIFurther work on longitudinal ONH changes in syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis would be valuable.
Even skull fractures have been described, but data on persistent changes in the bone structure of the skull like thinning of the calvaria is lacking in the literature.
Circumscribed Thinning of the Calvaria - A Long-Term Sequela After Vacuum Extraction Delivery · 2024 · DOISuch long-term sequelae after vacuum-assisted delivery have not been reported yet and the underlying mechanism is unclear.
Circumscribed Thinning of the Calvaria - A Long-Term Sequela After Vacuum Extraction Delivery · 2024 · DOILittle is known about the origins and correlations of non-metric traits. The study aims to fill this gap by assessing the correlation among 21 non-metric traits of the cranium.
Non-metric traits of the cranium: are they related one with each other? A novel approach to skeletal variants · 2026 · DOIThe prevalence of motor delay in children with CS is not well established. Previous studies have reported heterogeneous findings on motor outcomes in children with CS.
Prevalence of motor development delay in children with craniosynostosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis · 2026 · DOIThere is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and temporal trends of DP and DB in Finland. Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings on the prevalence of DP and DB.
Prevalence and Temporal Trends of Deformational Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly in Finland: A Population-Based Register Study · 2026 · DOIThis case expands the demonstrated versatility of MCDO and suggests triple-vector constructs may be feasible for syndromic or pan-synostosis cases where conventional unidirectional or bidirectional vector approaches are insufficient.
Triple-Vector Distraction Osteogenesis For Multi-suture Sagittal Craniosynostosis In A Child With Goldenhar Syndrome · 2026 · DOIThe study used a mouse model, which may not fully represent the human condition. The scaffold's long-term efficacy and safety need to be further evaluated. The study did not investigate the potential risks and complications associated with the use of the scaffold.
A tissue engineering approach to regenerate the cranial suture skeletal stem cell niche with a multicompartment biomaterial scaffold · 2026 · DOIThere is a lack of research on the use of multicompartment scaffolds to treat craniosynostosis. Traditional treatments for craniosynostosis have limitations and risks. There is a need for a new approach to treat craniosynostosis, such as a tissue engineering strategy.
A tissue engineering approach to regenerate the cranial suture skeletal stem cell niche with a multicompartment biomaterial scaffold · 2026 · DOIOnly two randomized controlled trials were identified, and long-term outcomes beyond 12 months remain insufficiently explored. However, the current evidence is limited by methodological heterogeneity, relatively small sample sizes in several studies, and a predominance of research from European centers.
Patient selection and the potential need for future surgeries.
Endoscopic posterior vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO): advantages of eliminating the bicoronal incision · 2026 · DOICraniofacial distraction osteogenesis (DO) is an established technique for the management of complex craniosynostosis but remains limited by the morbidity associated with external activation ports, including infection, wound breakdown, CSF leakage, and mechanical failure.
The magnet-actuated craniofacial (MAC) distraction system: preclinical surgical feasibility in a cadaveric model · 2026 · DOIComprehensive outcome data on OCS fixation is limited. The technical aspects and surgical outcomes of OCS fixation are not well understood.
Feasibility of Occipital Condyle Screw Fixation for Craniocervical Instability: Integrating Morphometric Evidence, Anatomical Parameters, and Experience From Surgical Series · 2026 · DOIOne of the challenges in treating PRS is the need for early intervention and effective management to prevent long-term complications. The use of the TPP requires careful fabrication and delivery to ensure optimal outcomes. Infants with PRS often have associated anomalies and comorbidities, which can pose challenges in their management.
Clinical experience and functional outcomes of infants with Pierre Robin sequence treated with the Tübingen palatal plate: a retrospective case series from a multidisciplinary tertiary care setting · 2026 · DOILimited to Thai children. Retrospective cross-sectional study design. No long-term follow-up data.
Craniofacial Morphology and Dental Age Assessment in Pediatric Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Cross‐Sectional Study · 2026 · DOILack of standardized 3D craniofacial measurements and acquisition protocols in this study, - Treatment program limited to up to two CROs, - Potential for bias due to study authors' employment by ROKband Pediatric Headshape Clinics, - Limited generalizability due to specific treatment program and device used, - Possibility that some participants may have still achieved cranial correction with additional…
Impact of Age on Success of 3D-Printed Cranial Remolding Orthoses for Deformational Head Shapes · 2026 · DOIInvestigation of the exact prevalence of elevated ICP in scaphocephaly patients, - Study of the effects of delayed diagnosis and treatment on long-term outcomes, - Comparison of different surgical techniques and their impact on ICP, - Research on the optimal timing for surgical…
Delayed diagnosis of scaphocephaly after 1 year of age is associated with elevated intracranial pressure · 2026 · DOIThe development of more advanced digital workflows that incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence. The investigation of new materials and technologies for the creation of palato-lingual plates. The evaluation of the long-term efficacy and safety of digital workflow and 3D printing for palato-lingual plates.
Digital workflow and 3D printing of palato-lingual plates for robin sequence: current concepts and future directions · 2026 · DOIFurther study to elucidate the indications, safety, and long-term outcomes of the technique. Investigation of the potential benefits and limitations of the approach in different patient populations.
Endoscopic posterior vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO): advantages of eliminating the bicoronal incision · 2026 · DOIFurther studies with larger sample sizes, - Comparison of TPP therapy with other treatment modalities, - Long-term follow-up of infants…
Clinical experience and functional outcomes of infants with Pierre Robin sequence treated with the Tübingen palatal plate: a retrospective case series from a multidisciplinary tertiary care setting · 2026 · DOIThe study identifies a gap in understanding the craniofacial morphometric characteristics of Thai children with craniosynostosis. The study aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of craniofacial morphology and dental age assessment.
Craniofacial Morphology and Dental Age Assessment in Pediatric Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Cross‐Sectional Study · 2026 · DOI
Most-cited papers in Craniofacial Disorders and Treatments
- HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE FROM BIRTH TO EIGHTEEN YEARS · PEDIATRICS · 1968 · 586 citations
- CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS: A REVIEW OF 519 SURGICAL PATIENTS · PEDIATRICS · 1968 · 338 citations
- Validity and Reliability of Craniofacial Anthropometric Measurement of 3D Digital Photogrammetric Images · The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal · 2008 · 273 citations
- Craniofacial distraction osteogenesis: a review of the literature. Part 1: clinical studies · International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery · 2001 · 261 citations
- Large-scale in-vivo Caucasian facial soft tissue thickness database for craniofacial reconstruction · Forensic Science International · 2006 · 228 citations
- Accuracy of the Computer-Aided Surgical Simulation (CASS) System in the Treatment of Patients With Complex Craniomaxillofacial Deformity: A Pilot Study · Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery · 2007 · 222 citations
- Bone Grafts in Craniofacial Surgery · Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction · 2009 · 213 citations
- Cephalometric effects of face mask/expansion therapy in Class III children: A comparison of three age groups · American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics · 1998 · 211 citations
- Stereolithographic biomodelling in cranio-maxillofacial surgery: a prospective trial · Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery · 1999 · 205 citations
- New Clinical Protocol to Evaluate Craniomaxillofacial Deformity and Plan Surgical Correction · Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery · 2009 · 202 citations
Most recent work
- CSF1R+ macrophage and osteoclast depletion impairs neural crest proliferation and craniofacial morphogenesis · Development · 2026
- Craniosynostosis: Imaging and Surgical Implications · Radiographics · 2026
- Weight Gain in Infants With Pierre Robin Sequence: A Comparison of Nonsurgical Orthodontic Airway Plate Versus Surgical Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis · The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal · 2026
- Neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes in metopic synostosis: relation to severity and surgical timing · Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery · 2026
- Cranial neural crest cells in zebrafish: Insights into craniofacial skeletal development and malformation · Bone · 2026
- Incidence of Psychological and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Craniosynostosis · The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal · 2026
- Duplicated, Translocated Upper Lip and Maxilla: An Extremely Rare Congenital Craniofacial Anomaly With Novel Genetic Findings · Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine · 2026
- Association between craniosynostosis and neurodevelopmental disorders: a nationwide claims database · BMC Pediatrics · 2026
- The Baraitser–Winter Cerebrofrontofacial Syndrome Recurrent R196H Variant in Cytoplasmic β‐Actin Impairs Its Cellular Polymerization and Stability · The FASEB Journal · 2026
- Signalling Pathways and Mechanical Forces Interact in Craniofacial Development and Homeostasis · International Dental Journal · 2026
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