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This chapter aims to outline to the reader the various forms of craniosynostosis (premature fusion of cranial sutures) and their management. It covers the pertinent aspects important in the assessment and management of these patients and provides an overview of the surgical procedures available, the indications for these and a guide as to how, and when, to implement them.

Vascular tumours and malformations form a heterogeneous group of disorders, complex nomenclature and multiple classification systems. In this chapter we outline the different clinical presentations, epidemiology and pathogenesis of this diverse group of pathologies.

Syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis can be associated with raised intracranial pressure (ICP). After corrective surgery, raised ICP persists or reoccurs in a subgroup of patients. The standard procedure for monitoring ICP is insertion of a percutaneous intraparenchymal probe for a limited time, usually 24 to 48 hours. However, in selected patients repeated ICP measurements might be useful in the clinical setting, and a noninvasive method for achieving this would be desirable. The authors present the use of a telemetric ICP monitoring system implanted during cranial vault expansion in a child with syndromic craniosynostosis. This system, once implanted, allows for noninvasive transdermal ICP readings and might represent a promising alternative to conventional ICP monitoring devices in selected patients with craniofacial conditions.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery has the longest training pathway of any medical specialty in the UK. Peter Brennan and colleagues look at ways to shorten this

A 64-year-old Caucasian male presented with non-axial proptosis of the left eye which had progressed over 4 months with recent discomfort and diplopia. He was otherwise well. His past ocular history was of collar-stud choroidal melanoma in the left eye aged 36. This tumour was in the inferonasal quadrant with a diameter of 10 mm. Trans-scleral resection was performed with laser photocoagulation around the tumour base preoperatively to reduce the risk of retinal detachment. Histological examination of the tumour showed a pigmented uveal melanoma of …

A small but nevertheless important part of a surgeon's experience comprises necrotizing soft tissue infections of the head and neck. The purpose of this report is to heighten awareness of necrotizing soft tissue infections in any patient with an infection of the head and neck. The article also outlines an appropriate management strategy for use in the treatment of patients with this potentially fatal condition. Prompt diagnosis and early radical surgical debridement are significant factors in avoiding a fatal outcome in these patients. This article reviews the literature on necrotizing soft tissue infections of the head and neck and presents cases from our recent experience.