The National Craniofacial Association
P. O. Box 11082	* Chattanooga, TN 37401
800-	332-2373

Cleidocranial Dysplasia

What is Cleidocranial Dysplasia?
Cleidocranial Dysplasia (cleido = collar bone, + cranial = head, + dysplasia = abnormal forming) , also known as Cleidocranial Dysostosis and Marie-Sainton Disease, is a condition characterized by defective development of the cranial bones and by the complete or partial absence of the collar bones (clavicles). Characteristics include:

• Delayed closure (ossification) of the space between the bones of the skull (fontanels)
• Premature closing of the coronal suture
• Protruding jaw (mandible) and protruding brow bone (frontal bossing)
• Wide nasal bridge due to increased space between the eyes (hypertelorism)
• High arched palate or possible cleft palate
• Short stature
• Scoliosis of the spine
  

Why did this happen?
There is no link between anything the mother did or did not do while she was pregnant and the occurrence of Cleidocranial Dysplasia. It is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. The cause is not yet known, but several chromosome abnormalities have been linked with this syndrome, including chromosome 6p21.

Will this happen to children I have in the future?
If both parents are unaffected, it is called a spontaneous genetic mutation and the chances of having another child with it are very small. If one parent is affected, it is called an inherited genetic mutation and there is a 50% chance that a child will have it. Of all the cases of Cleidocranial Dysplasia, one-third are spontaneous and two-thirds are genetic.

What kinds of problems could my child have?
In addition to the physical characteristics common to Cleidocranial Dysplasia, your child may have the following problems:

• Dental abnormalities - failure to lose the baby teeth (deciduous) at the expected time; slow eruption of secondary teeth; extra teeth; delayed or absent formation of teeth
• Ability to touch the shoulders together in front of the body
• Wide pelvic bone
• Loose joints
• Hearing loss and/or frequent infections
  

Will my child need surgery?
Due to the fact that the dental problems are the most significant complications, appropriate dental/orthodontic work is vital. Some of the suggested treatment options include the following:

• Apply dentures over the unerupted teeth
• Teeth removal as they erupt, because very little bone structure would be left if the supernumerary, impacted, and unerupted teeth were all extracted at once
• Some doctors suggest that the removal of primary or supernumerary teeth does not promote eruption of unerupted permanent teeth. In addition, permanent teeth may be difficult to extract due to malformed roots.
  

New advances in procedures to treat Cleidocranial Dysplasia are constantly being developed. Be an advocate for your child!

How do I get help for my child?
Your child should be treated by a qualified craniofacial medical team at a craniofacial center. Currently, FACES has information on thirty-two craniofacial teams located in 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the craniofacial teams. Please contact FACES for details.

Am I alone?
No! There are many families and organizations who will be glad to talk with you and help you with information and support. Don't forget books, videos, and websites. This listing below will get you started.

FACES: The National Craniofacial Association
P. O. Box 11082
Chattanooga, TN 37401
(800) 332-2373
Email: faces@faces-cranio.org
We provide financial support for non-medical expenses to patients traveling to a craniofacial center for treatment. Eligibility is based on financial and medical need. Resources include newsletters, information about craniofacial conditions, and networking opportunities.

Online Cleidocranial Dysplasia Support Group
To join this new and growing online computer discussion group, go to the following link and follow the instructions for joining:  http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Cleidocranial_Dysplasia/

MUMS
National Parent to Parent Organization
c/o Julie Gordon
150 Custer Court
Green Bay, WI 54301-1243
Toll-free: (877) 336-5333
Website: http://www.netnet.net/mums
This organization helps you get in touch with parents in your area whose children also have Cleidocranial Dysplasia.

Office of Rare Diseases
The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center
P. O. Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
(888) 205-2311
Fax: (202) 966-5689
Email: gardinfo@nih.gov
Web site: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov
Excellent web site for finding information on a variety of craniofacial disorders, particularly very rare ones. Information specialists are available to answer your questions. Telephone operation is Monday - Friday, 12 pm to 6 pm Eastern Time. Email or fax requests for information will be answered within 5-10 working days. U.S. Mail requests will be answered within 5-10 working days. NOTE: The center does not give medical advice, provide treatment, or diagnose illness.

National Health Law Program
1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 405
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 289-7661
Website: http://www.healthlaw.org
Provides extensive information on health care law affecting families with children who have special health care needs.

Children with Facial Difference: A Parent's Guide.
Written by Hope Charkins, MSW. Order from Amazon.com if you cannot find it in your local bookstore.
Excellent resource for parents to help them cope with medical, emotional, social, educational, legal, and financial challenges presented by facial differences of their children.

The following are some useful internet sites concerned with Cleidocranial Dysplasia:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nlmhome.html
This U. S. National Library of Medicine website has a descriptive article on Cleidocranial Dysplasia. Enter the words "Cleidocranial Dysplasia" in the "Search" box. The toll-free telephone number is 888-346-3656.

http://www.dental.mu.edu/oralpath/lesions/cleidocraniadys/cleidocraniadys.htm
This site has some pictures illustrating some aspects of cleidocranial dysplasia.

http://www.faseb.org/genetics/ashg99/f181.htm
This site contains an article entitled "A Natural History of Cleidocranial Dysplasia".

http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/news/dental/cdr97/silva.html
This site presents a case report on cleidocranial dysplasia.

Last modified on: Thursday, March 22, 2007 04:53 PM