Three-dimensional Measurement of the Zygomatic-maxillary Complex in the Class III Malocclusion Patients with Maxillary Retrusion.

This study investigated the anatomic features of the zygomatic-maxillary complex in patients with maxillary retrusion without clefts. Individuals were grouped, and craniofacial measurements were performed for 21 individuals with skeletal Class III malocclusion with maxillary retrusion (CIII) and 48 individuals from the control group (CG). We evaluated the predetermined hard-tissue and soft-tissue points of the facial profile in each group. Independent sample t -tests were performed to determine the differences between groups (significance set at P <0.05). Multiple points on the midface, including the most posterior point on the contour of the maxillary alveolar process, lowest point of the zygomaticomaxillary suture, furthest point to the zygomatic self-base plane, superior point in the infraorbital foramen, and lowest point of the inferior margin of the orbit to the coronal plane were smaller in CIII than in CG (all P <0.05). The soft tissue thickness in these regions was significantly increased compared with that in the normal group. In summary, for class III malocclusion patients with maxillary retrusion, the deficiency in the midface gradually decreased going upward, with the deficiency at the maxillary alveolar level being the most serious. To some extent, soft tissues compensate for the deficiencies in the facial skeleton, and standard Le Fort I osteotomy advancement was sufficient to achieve a harmonious appearance.

Application of Computer-Assisted Preoperative Planning in Treating Congenital Bilateral Zygomatico-Maxillo-Mandibular Fusion: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Congenital fusion of the jaws (syngnathia) is a rare facial malformation with an unknown etiology. This disease may vary in severity with adhesion of soft tissue and bony fusion. It can be anterior fusion, unilateral or bilateral fusion, and complete fusion. The main problem of these patients is the difficulty of airway maintenance and feeding, and the most common postoperative complication is the relapse of bony fusion. Here, we report a young male patient with bony syngnathia, involving bilateral fusion of the ascending ramus and body of the mandible with the maxillary complex. We performed bone isolation by computer-assisted preoperative planning and used an insertional temporalis flap to fix the wound surface to prevent refusion of bone.

Reduction Malarplasty Using Customized Surgical Stent Based on 3D Virtual Surgery, CAD/CAM, and 3D Printing Technology: Case Series.

ABSTRACT: The zygomatic bone is a structure that protrudes symmetrically on both sides of the midface and plays an important role in the overall aesthetic appearance of the face. Unlike Caucasians, the mesocephalic facial shape is predominant in Asians, and therefore, many people have a relatively laterally developed zygomatic bone. In Asians, when the zygomatic bone is excessively developed, it gives a strong and stubborn image, and aesthetically, many people want to reduce the zygomatic bone because they prefer an oval and slim face.To reduce the excessive zygomatic bone, a reduction malar- plasty through an intraoral and preauricular approach has been performed. Although reducing the zygomatic bone is not a big problem in most cases of symmetric reduction malarplasty, it is not easy to produce surgical results as intended by the surgeon in asymmetric malar patients or patients requiring a three-dimensional (3D) change of zygoma. In addition, because of the mobility of the zygoma segment, it may be difficult to drill holes and fix plate after osteotomy. Moreover, these factors can increase the possibility of malunion or nonunion.In this study, cutting guides made with the aid of 3D virtual surgery, 3D printing, and customized titanium plates manufactured with the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology are used for 8 patients to maximize the recovery of 3D symmetry and minimize complications through accurate fixation after surgery. During the surgical procedures, screw hole drilling and osteotomy were performed using a cutting guide, and then, the malar segment was fixed by matching the premade customized plates with the predrilled holes. As a result of checking the accuracy of the surgery by superimposing the postoperative 3D cone beam computed tomography image and virtual surgery data based on the skull base, the 2 images almost overlapped and no significant differences were observed, so it was confirmed that the operation was performed exactly as planned.When using the 3D technology, it is possible to perform a more accurate surgery in patients with asymmetry due to congenital anomalies or trauma as well as simple asymmetry, so it can be concluded that using the 3D technology can overcome the limitations and disadvantages of the conventional method as in the cases in this study. The accurate prediction of soft tissue is still insufficient, and further research is needed to overcome this limitation.

Quantitative Morphologic Analysis of Cranial Vault in Twist1+/- Mice: Implications in Craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: The haploinsufficiency in the TWIST1 gene encoding a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor is a cause of one of the craniosynostosis syndromes, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. Patients with craniosynostosis usually require operative release of affected sutures, which makes it difficult to observe the long-term consequence of suture fusion on craniofacial growth. METHODS: In this study, we performed quantitative analysis of morphologic changes of the skull in Twist1 heterozygously-deleted mice (Twist1+/-) with micro-computed tomographic images. RESULTS: In Twist1+/- mice, fusion of the coronal suture began before postnatal day 14 and progressed until postnatal day 56, during which morphologic changes occurred. The growth of the skull was not achieved by a constant increase in the measured distances in wild type mice; some distances in the top-basal axis were decreased during the observation period. In the Twist1+/- mouse, growth in the top-basal axis was accelerated and that of the frontal cranium was reduced. In the unicoronal suture fusion mouse, the length of the zygomatic arch of affected side was shorter in the Twist1+/- mouse. In one postnatal day 56 Twist1+/- mouse with bilateral coronal suture fusion, asymmetric zygomatic arch length was identified. CONCLUSION: The authors'results suggest that measuring the length of the left and right zygomatic arches may be useful for early diagnosis of coronal suture fusion and for estimation of the timing of synostosis, and that more detailed study on the growth pattern of the normal and the synostosed skull could provide prediction of the risk of resynostosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The data from this study can be useful to better understand the cranial growth pattern in patients with craniosynostosis.

Osteomyelitis of frontal sinus, zygomatic bone and maxilla.

A 52-year male patient reported with loosening of right upper jaw. He has no pain or discharge, or any acute symptoms and systemic disease. Intraoral examination reveals necrosed maxillary bone. He also has no sickle cell disease, hepatitis, HIV or tuberculosis. 3D CT scan reveals destruction of maxilla, maxillary sinus, lateral nasal wall, superior and inferior orbital wall, zygoma and frontal bone(outer table). The clinical diagnosis of osteomyelitis was made. Under general anaesthesia, sequestrectomy was done with the help of Weber-Ferguson incision with infraorbital extension for maxilla, maxillary sinus, zygomatic bone, lateral nasal wall and infraorbital and medial wall of orbit. Frontal sinus region sequestrectomy was done via bicoronal flap. The patient was completely diseased free after 4 years follow-up.

Fusión congénita de la mandíbula con el maxilar y complejo cigomático, revisión de la literatura. Reporte de un caso / Congenital fusion of the mandible with the maxilar and the zygomatic complex, literatura review. A case report

La signatia es una rara malformación congénita en la que se encuentra una fusión ósea del maxilar con la mandíbula. Puede ser unilateral o completa y se caracteriza por la incapacidad de abrir la boca del recién nacido. Esta puede clasificarse de acuerdo con su presentación clínica. Las complicaciones de esta anomalía pueden ser muy graves: incompatibilidad con la vida, incapacidad de proteger la vía aérea, dificultades para la alimentación, así como alteraciones en el crecimiento. Se han referido casos con distintos abordajes, por lo que el protocolo terapéutico-quirúrgico estará dado según las particularidades de cada individuo. En el presente caso se hace referencia de un lactante femenino que se presentó con fusión del complejo cigomático-maxilar con la mandíbula unilateral, el abordaje y seguimiento

Syngnathia is a rare congenital malformation in which a fusion of the mandible with the maxilla is found, it can be unilateral or complete and is characterized by the inability to open the mouth of the newborn, this can be classified according to its clinical presentation. The complications of this anomaly can be inability to protect the airway, difficulties for feeding, as well as alterations in growth. There have referred cases with different approaches, thus the therapeutic-surgical protocol will be given according to the particularities of each individual. In the present case reference is made of female infant with unilateral maxillo-mandibular-zygomatic fusion, diagnosis and follow-up

Spatial and temporal changes of midface in Apert's syndrome.

The dysplastic maxilla and retracted zygoma characterize Apert's syndrome. The relationship between the cranial base and facial development is believed to be influential and substantial. The purpose of this study is to explore the temporal relationships of maldevelopment of these structures to identify potential influence patterns. Fifty-four CT scans (unoperated Apert's, n = 18; control, n = 36) were included and divided into three age subgroups (0-6 months, 6 months-2 years, and 2-6 years). All measurements were analyzed by Materialize software. Cephalometrics relating to midface and cranial base were collected. In anteroposterior direction, prior to 6 months, the zygoma was markedly retruded by 12% in Apert's, followed by persistent retrusive shape into adulthood, averaging 17% shorter compared to controls. The maxillary anteroposterior dimension was 22% shorter than normal before 6 months of age, thereafter, it maintained at least an 18% deficiency into adulthood. In the horizontal direction, the transverse width of the zygoma increased 39% between 6 months and 2 years of age, and it was 14% wider on average overall into adulthood. The maxilla had normal growth in transverse and vertical directions. The zygoma is the most severely deformed anatomic facial structure in early infancy, in both positional relation and geometric shape in Apert's syndrome. This may develop as a 'bridge', influencing the structure, transmitting malformation stresses, caused by premature fused coronal and peri-zygomatic sutures, into facial structures and the maxilla.

Orbit, zygoma, and maxilla growth patterns in Crouzon syndrome.

The facial malformations of Crouzon syndrome involve the entire cranio-orbito-zygomatic region. The detailed sequence of changes in orbit, zygoma, and maxilla over time, the mutual influence among these three anatomical structures, and their relationship with the cranial base were studied to determine the sequence and timing of deformity. Preoperative CT scans of 36 patients with Crouzon syndrome (mean age 10.84±14.70years; 14 male, 22 female) and CT scans of 54 control subjects (mean age 8.53±13.22years; 29 male, 25 female) were divided into five subgroups by age: 0-6 months, 6 months-2 years, 2-6 years, 6-18 years, and 18-62 years. Craniofacial morphometric cephalometrics were analyzed using Materialise software. Crouzon orbit anteroposterior length was shorter before 6 months (P=0.021) and remained shorter into adulthood (P<0.001). Globe projection was greater across all age subgroups (P<0.001), reaching a peak at 6 months to 2 years (P<0.001). The increased medial orbital width was the most remarkable and persistent secondary deformity (P<0.001). The zygoma anterior protrusion was retruded before 6 months of age (P<0.001), but then improved gradually. The width of maxilla was greater by 24% in the Crouzon cohort (P<0.001), with a difference of 16% before 6 months (P=0.024), and was developed earlier than the shortened anteroposterior length. Crouzon high and shallow orbital walls are distinctive. Maxillary widening developed before the malformation of sphenoid. The anteroposterior position of zygoma is likely a principal deformity, rather than a reflection of the intrinsic shape of the bone. Level of Evidence: II.

Intubação de via aérea difícil em paciente com síndrome de Treacher Collins / Difficult airway intubation in a patient with Treacher Collins syndrome - case report

A síndrome de Treacher Collins é uma patologia rara, com gene causador mapeado no braço longo do cromossomo cinco (5q31. 3-q33.3). Conhecida como disostose craniofacial, apresenta-se com hipoplasia malar, hipoplasia mandibular e malformações do pavilhão auricular. Tal condição representa previsão de dificuldade para o ato anestésico de intubação, necessitando de avaliação pré-operatória minuciosa e cuidado intensivo no perioperatório. A anestesia geral costuma ser realizada por indução de anestésicos inalatórios, uma vez que crianças submetidas a procedimentos cirúrgicos são não cooperativas, além de haver dificuldade de se obter acesso venoso. Assim, objetiva-se relatar caso de via aérea de intubação difícil em paciente com síndrome de Treacher Collins, correlacionando às manifestações clínicas, ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento cirúrgico, e revisando a literatura sobre o tema. Relatamos um caso cuja singularidade reside no manejo anestésico diferente dos executados em outros centros médicos, ao abordar pacientes com previsão de via aérea difícil. Ao invés de se utilizar máscara laríngea ou intubação com laringoscópio óptico, procedeu-se a: indução inalatória, sedação sem abolir respiração espontânea, visualização das estruturas para introdução do tubo endotraqueal (Cormack 3), acesso venoso, intubação orotraqueal e, posteriormente, indução anestésica e bloqueio neuromuscular. Julgamos importante divulgar tal relato para expor alternativas na indisponibilidade de certos dispositivos, como o fibroscópio. A técnica de intubação sem máscara laríngea ou fibroscópio em pacientes com síndrome craniofacial pode ocorrer sem intercorrências com a estratégia de não abolir a respiração do paciente, porém com leve sedação, devido à não cooperação e à dificuldade de se obter acesso venoso em crianças. (AU)

Treacher Collins syndrome is a rare disease with the culprit gene mapped on the distal long arm of chromosome five (5q31. 3-q33.3). It is known as craniofacial dysostosis, and presents with malar hypoplasia, mandibular hypoplasia, and pinnae malformations. Such condition represents expected difficult airway intubation during anesthesia, requiring detailed preoperative evaluation, and intensive perioperative care. General anesthesia is usually performed through inhaling anesthetics because children undergoing surgical procedures are not cooperative, and their venous access is difficult. Thus, the aim of the study is to report a case of difficult airway intubation in a patient diagnosed with Treacher Collins syndrome, correlating clinical manifestations, diagnosis e surgical treatment, and reviewing the literature on the subject. We report a case that is unique because the anesthetic management is different from what has been done in other medical centers, since it manages patients with expected difficult airway. Instead of using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) device or a flexible optical intubation (FOI), an inhaling induction was performed, with preserved spontaneous breathing sedation, and visualization of the structures to receive the endotracheal tube (Cormarck 3), venous access, orotracheal intubation and then, anesthetic induction and neuromuscular block. We consider it important to share this report to give alternatives when some devices, such as the fiberscope, are not available. The intubation technique without laryngeal mask airway device or fiberscope in patients with craniofacial syndrome may take place with no complications, when the patient's spontaneous breathing is not aborted, but with light sedation, because of children's noncooperation, and difficulty venous access. (AU)

A scanographic study of asymmetry of the frontal process of zygoma in unilateral coronal synostosis.

INTRODUCTION: Unilateral coronal synostosis (UCS) is a complex craniosynostosis, combining malformations of the upper (frontal bone, orbito-naso-frontal bandeau (ONFB) ) and the middle thirds of the face. In our centre, the surgical correction consists in the repositioning of the ONFB in front of the zygomaticofrontal suture on the affected side. Defects in the corrections have been observed post-operatively for some patients with a persistent asymmetry in the side walls of the orbits. The purposes of our study were to perform an analysis of the frontal process of zygoma (FPZ) in children affected by UCS using preoperative CT-scans and to consider the modification of surgical techniques in order to achieve a better ONFB repositioning and thus, better symmetry. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The preoperative CT-scans of 13 children with UCS who underwent corrective surgery in our department from 2005 to 2016, were analyzed. After the selection of 6 morphological points in 2 and 3 dimensions using planning software, the sutures constituting the coronal arch and the sagittal distances between the coronal plane and the zygomaticofrontal sutures were analyzed. We compared the measurements on the pathological side to the healthy side, the non-affected side being the reference side. The patients included were those for whom the lack of symmetry between the healthy side and the affected side was more than 2 mm. Statistical analyses were carried out using a Student t-test. RESULTS: Of the 13 children, 10 (1 day to 42 months old) met the inclusion criteria. The mean sagittal distance between the coronal plane and the healthy zygomaticofrontal suture was 33.8 mm ± 5.43 mm [range: 25.9: 40.9] [median: 34.3]. On the pathological side, the distance was 28.75 mm ± 4.76 mm [range: 20.8: 36.3] [median: 29.55], (p = 0.04). DISCUSSION: There is a significant asymmetry between the FPZ on the healthy and the pathological sides in children affected by UCS. This asymmetry is variable, therefore justifying a personalized surgical correction whichtakes into account not only the shape of the ONFB but also the degree of asymmetry of the FPZ. A prospective study with immediate preoperative CBCT image acquisition and long-term clinical and radiological follow-up, will be our next step.

Is Augmentation Required to Correct Malar Deficiency With Maxillary Advancement?

PURPOSE: Patients with maxillary hypoplasia also have malar deficiency; therefore, planning can include consideration for simultaneous malar augmentation. The purpose of this study was to compare pre- and postoperative profiles of patients who underwent Le Fort I advancement, with and without malar augmentation, to assess the subjective perception of changes in malar eminence projection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had maxillary advancement and mandibular setback with and without malar augmentation were evaluated through a survey consisting of pre- and postoperative photographs that were assessed by professionals and laypersons, and a visual analog scale was used to assess the malar region. Next, pre- and postoperative images were shown side by side and participants were asked to indicate which patients had undergone malar augmentation. Statistical analysis used Wilcoxon signed rank test, independent-samples t test, Spearman rank order correlation, and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Of 43 patients, 23 met the inclusion criteria and only 7 of the 23 patients received simultaneous malarplasty. Patients in the 2 groups were perceived as having an increase in malar eminence projection postoperatively. In the malarplasty and non-malar cohorts, laypersons and professionals noted an increase in projection (P < .05). Laypersons tended to overestimate the number of malar procedures performed (sensitivity, 59.5%; specificity, 56.8%), whereas professionals were better able to accurately exclude malar augmentation (sensitivity, 44.2%; specificity, 69.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with maxillary hypoplasia undergoing Le Fort I advancement can expect a subjective improvement in malar projection. The decision for malar augmentation at the time of maxillary advancement should be considered based on patient desires, but, in general, maxillary advancement alone might be sufficient for an optimal malar esthetic outcome.

Applications of 3D orbital computer-assisted surgery (CAS).

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present report is to describe the indications for use of 3D orbital computer-assisted surgery (CAS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the clinical and radiological data of all patients with orbital deformities treated using intra-operative navigation and CAD/CAM techniques at the Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Switzerland, between 2009 and 2016. We recorded age and gender, orbital deformity, technical and surgical procedure and postoperative complications. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients were included. Mean age was 39.5years (range, 5 to 84years) and 85 (87.5%) were men. Of the 103 patients, 96 had intra-operative navigation (34 for primary and 3 for secondary orbito-zygomatic fractures, 15 for Le Fort fractures, 16 for orbital floor fractures, 10 for combined orbital floor and medial wall fractures, 7 for orbital medial wall fractures, 3 for NOE (naso-orbito-ethmoidal) fractures, 2 for isolated comminuted zygomatic arch fractures, 1 for enophthalmos, 3 for TMJ ankylosis and 2 for fibrous dysplasia bone recontouring), 8 patients had CAD/CAM PEEK-PSI for correction of residual orbital bone contour following craniomaxillofacial trauma, and 1 patient had CAD/CAM surgical splints and cutting guides for correction of orbital hypertelorism. Two patient (1.9%) required revision surgery for readjustment of an orbital mesh. The 1-year follow-up examination showed stable cosmetic and dimensional results in all patients. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the application of 3D orbital CAS with regards to intra-operative navigation and CAD/CAM techniques allowed for a successful outcome in the patients presented in this series.

The Edinburgh modification of the minimal access zygomatic osteotomy, used for the correction of zygomatic orbital hypoplasia.

Zygomatic hypoplasia can be an exceedingly difficult proposition for the surgeon treating facial deformity. The classical approach would be a coronal access, which is time-consuming, leaves a long scar on the scalp that shows in patients with balding patterns, and carries the risk of permanent facial weakness. The Edinburgh technique presents a minimal access approach to the zygomatic osteotomy. This is performed through local incisions and a bone cut made using hand-held diamond-coated wire that mobilizes the entire zygoma.

Reduction Malarplasty that Uses Malar Setback Without Resection of Malar Body Strip.

BACKGROUND: Various surgical methods have been developed and used to reduce prominent malar bones. The most common reduction malarplasty methods are resection of the bone strip of the malar bone with L-osteotomy or I-osteotomy, followed by setback and fixation. However, these methods could be associated with complications due to the bone strip resection. The present article introduces an effective and safe method that reduces the zygoma without resection of a malar bone strip. METHODS: Through preauricular and intraoral incisions, we performed the current L-osteotomy without resection of the malar bone strip using a reciprocating saw. We created back space for zygoma setback by removing the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus, which acted as a bony interference. We were able to set the lateral segment of the zygoma back about 3-5 mm. We fixed the zygomatic arch with wire and the zygomatic body with a prebent plate and screw. Thereafter, we performed rasping of the anterior part of the zygoma to achieve sufficient reduction. After performing our reduction malarplasty for 139 patients, clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Most patients responded to the satisfaction survey as excellent and good. There were no major complications 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The key of our method of reduction malarplasty is to create posterior space without resecting the malar body strip, which results in an effective setback. This method enables surgeons to effectively maintain the zygoma body, which leads to high satisfaction rates and fewer complications. Therefore, this study proved the safety and effectiveness of our method of reduction malarplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Intraosseous Venous Malformations of the Zygoma: Report of 4 Cases and Literature Review.

OBJECTIVES: As intraosseous venous malformations (IVMs) of the zygoma are very rare and clinical features are not typical, a correct preoperative diagnosis may be difficult to make. This study presents 4 cases of IVM of the zygoma and gives a review of their clinical manifestations, radiographic features, preoperative diagnosis, and differentials. METHODS: The report of 4 cases was performed with an average 6-year follow-up. Medical records including clinical, radiographic, and histopathological information were reviewed. RESULTS: All the patients were mid-aged women with a complaint of an enlarging mass over the midface. They all failed to receive a definite preoperative diagnosis, and the diagnoses of IVM in all patients were made via pathological evidence. Although they received different surgical treatments, all the follow-up results (2~12 years) were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Intraosseous venous malformations of the zygoma are benign lesions caused by abnormal vessel morphogenesis. Patients usually present in their 40s with a tender or painless swelling of the zygoma. The key to the diagnosis is the typical sunburst pattern of radiating trabeculae with intact cortices on computed tomographic scans. Intraosseous venous malformations should be differentiated from other lesions, including intraosseous meningioma, fibrous dysplasia, osteochondroma, osteosarcoma, and ossifying fibroma.

Bilateral Malar Reconstruction Using Patient-Specific Polyether Ether Ketone Implants in Treacher-Collins Syndrome Patients With Absent Zygomas.

The authors performed bilateral malar reconstruction using polyether ether ketone implants in 3 patients with Treacher-Collins syndrome with absent, as opposed to hypoplastic, zygomata. These patient-specific implants were fabricated using computed-aided design software reformatted from three-dimensional bony preoperative computed tomography images. The first time the authors performed this procedure the implant compressed the globe resulting in temporary anisocoria that was quickly recognized intraoperatively. The implant was immediately removed and the patient made a full-recovery with no ocular disturbance. The computer-aided design and manufacturing process was adjusted to include periorbital soft-tissue boundaries to aid in contouring the new implants. The same patient, and 2 further patients, subsequently underwent malar reconstruction using this soft tissue periorbital boundary fabrication process with an additional 2 mm relief removed from the implant's orbital surface. These subsequent procedures were performed without complication and with pleasing aesthetic results. The authors describe their experience and the salutary lessons learnt.

A Rare Patient with Facial Duplication.

Facial duplication, in whole or in part, is a very rare malformation. It may be symmetrical or asymmetric. Those cases that have been reported in the literature constitute a spectrum extending from simple nasal duplication to complete separation of 2 faces. Up to now there are some reports of eye, nose, mandible, or maxilla duplication separately. But there is no report of oral orifice or lips duplication. The present article reports a case of a newborn girl who presented with 2 mouths and also duplication of zygoma and maxilla. Then, we describe her stages of treatment from birth through now that she has 20 years.

Zygomatic bone shape in intentional cranial deformations: a model for the study of the interactions between skull growth and facial morphology.

Intentional cranial deformations (ICD) were obtained by exerting external mechanical constraints on the skull vault during the first years of life to permanently modify head shape. The repercussions of ICD on the face are not well described in the midfacial region. Here we assessed the shape of the zygomatic bone in different types of ICDs. We considered 14 non-deformed skulls, 19 skulls with antero-posterior deformation, nine skulls with circumferential deformation and seven skulls with Toulouse deformation. The shape of the zygomatic bone was assessed using a statistical shape model after mesh registration. Euclidian distances between mean models and Mahalanobis distances after canonical variate analysis were computed. Classification accuracy was computed using a cross-validation approach. Different ICDs cause specific zygomatic shape modifications corresponding to different degrees of retrusion but the shape of the zygomatic bone alone is not a sufficient parameter for classifying populations into ICD groups defined by deformation types. We illustrate the fact that external mechanical constraints on the skull vault influence midfacial growth. ICDs are a model for the study of the influence of epigenetic factors on craniofacial growth and can help to understand the facial effects of congenital skull malformations such as single or multi-suture synostoses, or of external orthopedic devices such as helmets used to correct deformational plagiocephaly.