Growing the pediatric facial skeleton to treat obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract
Growth abnormalities of the craniofacial skeletal are rare but impactful causes of upper airway obstruction in infants and children. Augmentation of the hypoplastic skeleton via regenerative medical techniques such as distraction osteogenesis can reverse the congenital deficiency and improve or cure the obstructive apnea. This webinar will discuss such techniques, focusing on: (1) Robin sequence in both its isolated and syndromic forms and (2) syndromic craniosynostosis.

Learning Objectives
1) The learner will understand the most common craniofacial conditions that cause obstructive sleep apnea.
2) The learner will understand corrective options, including the use of distraction osteogenesis to induce osseous and soft tissue generation.
3) The learner will understand the implications of surgical growth induction on future growth of the facial skeleton.