The scientific development of maxillofacial surgery in the 20th century and an outlook into the future.

Maxillofacial surgery is a relatively young speciality of medicine and it was not established as an organized specialty until the second half of the 20th century. At first it was supported by general surgeons with particular interest in this field, and also by inspired, extremely talented dentists. During the past few years modern techniques have brought decisive progress also in maxillofacial surgery, leading to rapid further development of diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities. The development of our specialty in the past century is discussed on the four main points of our scope, traumatology, orthognathic, cleft and tumour surgery. Considering the future prospects of our specialty one should realize that in the near future maxillofacial surgery will also be influenced by further medical-technical progress in the field of micro-robots, by percutaneous endoscopic techniques and by minimal invasive or laser surgery. Basic research will also cause a more profound change in our specialty, especially in the field of tumour therapy. Molecular biological research shows some good signs, which could already be transmitted to the prevention, diagnosis and also the therapy of tumours. In the field of tissue transplantation it is no longer utopia that autogenous tissue sampling can be almost completely be avoided. By further developing 'tissue engineering' it will be possible to cultivate bones as well as soft tissue with the aid of gene technology and transplant them into the face using relevant carrier substances. Altogether, the complexity of maxillofacial surgery in the coming century will increase, necessitating the best and widely trained maxillofacial surgeons for successful accomplishment.