Abstract
Current trends in research on craniofacial syndromes have led to enhanced interest in the cranial base as a contributory factor in the development of normal and abnormal midfacial structure. Indeed, attention has focused upon one particular growth plate in the posterior cranial base, the sphenooccipital synchondrosis, since it has been shown that alterations in this structure are associated with profound changes in craniofacial growth. In this report we describe a surgical approach to the cranial base of the rabbit that is safe, simple and reliable. It is applicable to neonatal as well as adult rabbits.