Craniosynostosis surgery: the legacy of Paul Tessier

Abstract

<jats:p>Paul Louis Tessier is recognized as the father of craniofacial surgery. While his story and pivotal contributions to the development of the multidisciplinary practice of craniofacial surgery are much highlighted in plastic surgery literature, they are seldom directly discussed in the context of neurosurgeons. His life and legacy to craniosynostosis and neurosurgery are explored in the present paper.</jats:p>

Outcomes and complications associated with malar onlays: literature review and case series of 119 implants

“…Augmentation of the malar region of the facial skeleton was first described by Tessier in 1971. 1,2 Autogenous bone from the rib, iliac crest or split calvarium is routinely used to correct craniofacial defects including the malar eminence. These techniques are also employed to enhance facial aesthetics in the setting of Oral and Maxillofacial trauma and orthognathic surgery.…”

“…As an alternative, alloplastic materials have been developed that overcome the main drawbacks of graft resorption, contouring challenges and donor site morbidity that are associated with using autogenous bone. 2 In addition, reconstructive surgeons have overcome the challenges of correcting complex deformities through the use of three-dimensional computerised tomography (CT) imaging and models. Computerassisted design (CAD) and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM) have enhanced outcomes as a result of improving the accuracy of diagnosing craniomaxillofacial deformity and the ability to construct patient specific implants (PSI).…”

Metopic Suture Synostosis (Trigonocephaly): A Case Report

“…Tessier proposed multiple techniques of osteotomy, bone grafting, and direct correction of deformities, which shaped the craniofacial surgery practiced today (7,8). A wide range of surgical techniques are used for metopic synostosis.…”

The Origins and Early Evolution of the ASMS and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery: A Surgical Discipline in Its Infancy

“…Not surprisingly, in attendance were specialtists from a spectrum of diverse fields, including plastic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, and ophthalmology. 9,12 By adding the transcranial approach to his surgical armamentarium (why not? ), Tessier broke down the barrier between the plastic surgeon and the neurosurgeon and abolished the boundary between maxillary surgery and cranial surgery, allowing for complete control of the craniomaxillofacial skeleton.…”

“…Each year he would spend one to two months with the Brits, availing himself of their developing experience in complex maxillofacial reconstruction and witnessing first-hand their multidisciplinary approach to care. 8,9 Describing his time with the British surgeons as “a revelation,” 10 he would bring these lessons back with him to Paris to lay the foundation for what we now appreciate as the modern practice of craniofacial surgery.…”