Australian Craniofacial Unit

The Australian Craniofacial Unit treats people with a wide range of craniofacial disorders such as

• distortion of the skull and facial shape
• cleft lip and palate deformities through to deep facial clefts
• facial growth anomalies
• tumours which require removal followed by reconstructive work
• trauma cases that require reconstruction. 

Some conditions are present at birth, while others, such as tumours and malignant growths, may develop in later life.  Many people require treatment and support from birth to adulthood.  The Australian Craniofacial Unit treats both children and adults.

The Unit aims to meet the multi-faceted needs of people with craniofacial disorders.  The team includes experts in:

The Unit was established in 1975 by Craniofacial Surgeon Professor David David to provide a service for South Australian, interstate and overseas patients.  In September 1988 the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council officially designated the Unit a National Centre of Excellence.

The Unit aims to ensure that people with facial deformities can assume their place in society with renewed hope and restored dignity.

The Unit is closely aligned with the Australian Craniofacial Institute.

How to access the service

Any person of any age who would like an opinion or is concerned about their facial appearance is eligible to attend the Australian Craniofacial Unit.  A medical referral is required and may be obtained from your GP.  Once this referral has been received an appointment or schedule of appointments is arranged.

Information for Families

Assessment and treatment by members of the team is coordinated by experienced and compassionate administrative staff.  Every effort is made to ensure that disruption to normal family life is kept to a minimum.

If surgery is required, a planning meeting will be scheduled involving the patient, family members and relevant team members.  For interstate or overseas patients, appointments are scheduled as closely together as possible to minimise the time required to complete the assessment review or treatment.

For patients and visitors needing a place to stay, there are many off site accommodation choices close to the Hospital.  Limited on-site accommodation is also available.

Treatment may span many years and is usually a combination of surgery and medical management undertaken at predetermined stages.

Resources/Publications

Publications by staff of the Unit have appeared in a number of international medical journals.  Patients are welcome to visit the Craniofacial Library  located at 226 Melbourne Street North Adelaide.

Research Activity

In order to advance the knowledge and treatment of craniofacial disorders, research scientists work as part of the team. Craniofacial clinicians are also dedicated to furthering current knowledge of craniofacial abnormalities and traumatic conditions within their specialties.  This enables assessment to be made of the long term success of surgery and becomes the basis for modifying existing, and introducing new practices.

The Unit is currently studying phenotype (appearance) and recording genotype (genes) of selected craniofacial pathologies. 

Phenotype activities have essentially been to establish tools of measurement and their application.  For the genotype a management algorithm has been set up so the essential genetic information is collected for each relevant patient.

The ongoing thrust of department research is matching phenotype and genotype with a view to more accurate outcome measurement. 

Research programs include:

• Craniofacial Morphology (distances and volumes)
• Clinical cephalometrics
• Biomedical engineering
• Genetics
• Biology of craniofacial deformities
• Bone distraction.

An exciting example of collaborative research involves the harvesting of cells from skull sutures. This work is funding by the Australian Craniofacial Institute and is being carried out in the Unit by Dr Peter Anderson in conjunction with Dr Barry Powell from the Child Health Research Institute. This research is part of our investigation into the underlying mechanisms of craniosynostis.

Wards

Rose Ward

Newland Ward

Hours

General Business 8.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday

Contact Information

Unit Head

Head, Australian Craniofacial Unit

Professor David David AC, MD

Location

1st Floor, Rieger Building

Mailing Address

Australian Craniofacial Unit

Women's and Children's Hospital

72 King William Road

North Adelaide 

South Australia 5006

Phone/Fax/Email

Ph (08) 8161 7235

Fax (08) 08161 7080

Email  cywhs.cranioreception@cywhs.sa.gov.au

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