Clinical dysmorphology: understanding congenital abnormalities

Abstract 

This article provides a nomenclature and classification of congenital abnormalities in order to better understand their origins, and hence provide a sound basis of management for affected children and the future counselling of their families. The scheme proposed is built on earlier recommendations by various international groups but which have, in the authors’ opinion, not had the recognition they deserve.

Keywords:  child, congenital abnormalities, malformation, disruption, dysplasia, deformity, syndrome, sequence, association