Craniofacial Anomalies Multidisciplinary Program (CAMP)
The Craniofacial Anomalies Multidisciplinary Program (CAMP) at the University of Chicago provides a thorough, team approach for the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of children with craniosynostosis and other craniofacial disorders, such as frontonasal dysplasia, cleidocranial dysplasia, encephaloceles, and rare craniofacial clefts. Craniosynostosis is a rare birth defect that causes one or more sutures (the connections that separate individual skull bones) in a baby's face or head to close prematurely, affecting normal brain and skull growth.
CAMP is one of the largest craniofacial programs in the region, and is staffed by the largest pediatric neurosurgery group in Chicago, as well as premier pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeons and renowned experts in genetics and neuroradiology.
Comprehensive, Focused Care
We want to make each family's visit with the CAMP team as smooth and informative as possible. We're here to help you understand your child's diagnosis and treatment options so that you can make the best care decision as a family.
"Our clinic offers comprehensive evaluation and care by several specialists in one day and in one location," said Russell Reid, MD, PhD, associate professor of surgery and director of CAMP. "Each patient gets highly focused care."
Children with craniosynostosis should be diagnosed and treated during infancy. Surgery, the main treatment, is usually recommended before the child reaches one year of age. Patients also require regular evaluations to ensure the skull, facial bones and brain are developing properly. Our geneticist diagnoses clinical syndromes associated with craniosynostosis and provides counseling and medical care for other medical problems associated with these syndromes.
Children with craniosynostosis and other craniofacial disorders receive additional benefits from the University of Chicago's research efforts. The Bernard Sarnat Craniofacial Development Laboratory at the University of Chicago is actively investigating therapies that may help patients in the future. Some of the research under way here includes studies into the regeneration of bone for the repair of complex craniofacial defects; the biology of skull and facial sutures; and research on bone substitutes and the survival of bone-cartilage grafts.
Appointments and Contact Information
We're dedicated to arranging a timely appointment with CAMP experts matched to your child's needs. When you call for an appointment, an experienced nurse will advise you on what to prepare for the appointment so that we have all the information needed to assess your child's condition. Please feel free to contact us with questions.
The CAMP clinic meets in the neurosurgery clinic Iodated on the fourth floor in the Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine (DCAM 4H) at our main campus in Chicago.