Congenital Malformation and Acquired Deformity of the Oral and Facial Structure

McNeil, Christopher Kerr (1951) Congenital Malformation and Acquired Deformity of the Oral and Facial Structure. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

An introductory note is followed by a short discourse on the history of the conditions which come under discussion in the treatise. Normal development of the oral and facial structures is reviewed and illustrated diagramatically. A summary of developmental malformations is given, and, in some instances, photographs serve to illustrate the conditions mentioned. Lip and palatal clefts are classified. Photographs of the various types of these malformations are included. A series of selected cases is presented. This series includes cases of congenital and acquired oral deformity. Modes of treatment are described and illustrated. Results, following the application of original procedures in the non-surgical closure of palatal defects, are shown. Methods of overcoming retention difficulties, by means of original appliances, are demonstrated in cases of both congenital and acquired oral deformity. Orthodontic measures, as applied to the correction of premaxillary protrusion in the young patient, are decribed and illustrated. Technical procedures in the construction of original appliances are described. Photographs and diagrams are utilised in the presentation of theses various procedures. Findings are given. These are based upon examination of records of 31,953 infants born during a period of ten years, together with observations noted during the examination and treatment of a series of 250 cases of congenital cleft palate. The main features and characteristics exhibited by those suffering from congential oral deformity are illustrated in a series of 100 cases drawn at random from the main series. The 100 cases are presented in summarised form. A discussion is included. This part of the thesis is presented in two sections. The first section deals with the etiology of congenital malformations. A theory, based upon hereditary predisposition to oral malformation, is advanced and discussed. Existing theories, relating to 'maternal impressions' and 'maternal malnutrition' are investigated, in an attempt to determine whether or not these conditions play any major part in the etiology of congenital deformity. The high incidence of twinning, or history of twinning, observed in families in which occurs oral deformity, is considered. Mention is made of endocrine disturbance, epilepsy and ocular hypertelorism in their relation to congenital malformation. The second section of the discussion is devoted to the treatment of oral deformity. Arguments are put forward in favour of various corrective measures which have proved efficacious during the researches which have been pursued. Consideration is given to prosthetic measures in relation to the functions of speech, deglutition and aesthetic appearance. Non-surgical methods of closure of palatal defects, by the application of original orthodontic measures, are discussed. Surgical procedures are considered, both as independent modes of treatment, and in conjunction with prosthetic and orthodontic measures. The conclusion arrived at, as a result of the researches which have been undertaken, are enumerated. A bibliography appears at the end of each main section of the treatise.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Morphology
• Date of Award: 1951
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1951-78820
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 30 Jan 2020 14:51
• Last Modified: 30 Jan 2020 14:51
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/78820