Many craniofacial anomalies are caused by abnormal development of the bones of the face. It is important that an infant with abnormalities in the shape or position of the bones of the face be evaluated early in order to determine the cause and plan a course of treatment. Facial bone abnormalities can affect feeding, breathing, vision and hearing.

Oculo Auriculo Vertebral Spectrum

Oculo Auriculo Vertebral Spectrum abnormalities typically involve the cheekbones, jaws, mouth, ears and eyes. The bones of the spinal column may also be involved. In most cases, OAV abnormalities appear to occur randomly with no apparent cause. Families at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health are often referred to genetics experts for counseling.

Oculo Auriculo Vertebral diagnoses include:

Hemifacial microsomia: a condition in which the lower half of one side of the face does not grow normally. Parents may notice that the ear is misshapen, that the chin appears to be “off center,” or that one corner of the child’s mouth may be higher than the other.

Goldenhar Syndrome: similar to hemifacial microsomia, but may also involve the spine, heart and eyes.

Treacher-Collins Syndrome: a rare, inherited disorder which involves underdevelopment of certain portions of the skull. The disorder typically affects development of the cheekbones, jaws, mouth, ears and/or eyes.

How is Oculo Auriculo Vertebral treated?

Correction of Oculo Auriculo Vertebral disorders involves surgical reconstruction of the affected portions of the face and head, which is often accomplished through multiple procedures over the course of the child’s development. At Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, multiple pediatric specialists, including plastic surgeons, are involved in the evaluation and treatment of children with Oculo Auriculo Vertebral disorders.