Craniofacial Australia
Phone: 8267 4128
Craniofacial Australia
“Craniofacial Australia is the supporting charity for the internationally acclaimed Australian Craniofacial Unit (ACFU) based at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in South Australia.”
“Craniofacial Australia is the supporting charity for the internationally acclaimed Australian Craniofacial Unit (ACFU) based at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in South Australia.”
March Newsletter
Professor David named 2018 South Australian of the year
We are proud to advise that the winner of the 2018 South Australian of the Year
Professor David David
Those words transformed Professor David’s life within minutes. The man that many of us have known as the face of Craniofacial Australia was now going to be the face of our hopes here in South Australia, as a finalist for Australian of the Year.
The Awards honour an exceptional group of highly respected Australians who ignite discussion and change on issues of national importance.
The prestigious year round program culminates in the announcement of the national award recipients in Canberra on Australia Day Eve.
Congratulations Professor David on winning
2018 South Australian of the Year.
Professor David David
Those words transformed Professor David’s life within minutes. The man that many of us have known as the face of Craniofacial Australia was now going to be the face of our hopes here in South Australia, as a finalist for Australian of the Year.
The Awards honour an exceptional group of highly respected Australians who ignite discussion and change on issues of national importance.
The prestigious year round program culminates in the announcement of the national award recipients in Canberra on Australia Day Eve.
Congratulations Professor David on winning
2018 South Australian of the Year.
Pictured with His Excellency, the Honourable Hieu Van Lee AC, and Professor David David, winner of the 2018 South Australian of the Year Award.
Craniofacial Research Update
In July 2016, with assistance provided by a generous grant provided by the Apex Foundation, a team comprising researchers from the University of Adelaide and the Australian Craniofacial Unit commenced their research project into The Cognitive, Behavioural and Psychological Outcomes following Unoperated Metopic Synostosis. Metopic synostosis is the premature fusion of the cranial (skull) suture that runs down the middle of the forehead. It normally fuses within the first year of life. However, when it fuses too early, the front of the head appears narrow with a ridge running down the middle. The resulting head shape is known as trigonocephaly. The team involved in this project are Dr Amanda Osborne, Associate Professor Rachel Roberts, Professor Jane Mathias, Professor Peter Anderson, and Dr Walter Flapper.
To date the research project has involved a thorough literature review, which has clearly shown a trend towards unoperated patients having worse outcomes than their peers in intellectual, behavioural and psychological outcomes. This is significant as it indicates the need for ongoing monitoring and support of such patients.
The second part of the project involves the assessment of the intellectual and psychological function of patients with unoperated metopic synostosis. There are a number of patients under the care of the Australian Craniofacial Unit with this condition; a significant proportion has not undergone surgery and we are following their progress. To date, 23 such patients have been assessed and the findings from this initial group are being analysed currently. The researchers hope to have some useful and interesting data from these patients in the next report.
Thus far the findings from the literature review have been submitted to the Journal of Paediatrics and shall also be presented at the Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment 41st Annual Conference 2018.
Many thanks must go to the Apex Foundation as grants such as theirs allow research into important conditions such as this, which will ultimately result in improved patient management and care.
Mr Walter Flapper FRACS (Plast.) MA Surg (Craniofacial)
Consultant, Australian Craniofacial Unit
Around one in every 500 babies is born with some form of craniofacial anomaly. Craniofacial Australia is the supporting charity for the internationally acclaimed Australian Craniofacial Unit and the funds we raise help change thousands of lives and futures every day.
With many craniofacial problems there can also be speech difficulties, progressive brain damage, blindness, deafness and, at times, premature death. Through our efforts we provide support, education, training and funding to assist both families and the wonderful team of doctors and staff at the Australian Craniofacial Unit.
In today's world where so many take their appearance for granted, we want you to stop and think how you can help these children and their futures.
Please don't take your smile for granted
There is no greater gift in the world than a child's smile
WANT TO BECOME A MEMBER?
Craniofacial Membership provides you with member discounts with various partners and exclusive early bird release on events.
Adults $33.00
Children $5.50 (under 16)
Gold Life Memebership $500
Memberships are Annual and commence from July 1st - June 30th
