Classification of facial malformations.

The Hamburg classification of craniofacial anomalies is introduced; it was first published by Pfeifer in 1967 and has been used in our hospital ever since. This morphogenetic classification is based on embryological data and divides the head into three major regions. Subclassification in the individual regions is done according to anatomical details. This system of classification has proved to be simple and useful. It can cope with every malformation and combination of anomalies. It meets all our needs for documentation and data processing. Last, but not least, it is a good aid for teaching students and young residents in embryology and in the understanding of malformations and syndromes.