Ankyloglossia, Syndactyly and Polydactyly in the Pediatric Patient

Abstract

Ankyloglossia is a congenital alteration in the development of the tongue characterized by the presence of a short or thick lingual frenulum, which leads to a limitation in its movements. There is an associative inconsistency between ankyloglossia and complications with breastfeeding, speech, swallowing, breathing, and the development of orofacial structures, and it is urgent to make more scientific research in this area. In the presence of polydactyly and syndactyly may be also present ankyloglossia. The purpose of this paper is to present two ankyloglossia cases with finger alterations, without a syndromic disease, and lead the medical team to research this topic and make an improved treatment plan for these cases.

Lingual Frenotomy in Pediatric Ankyloglossia: A Diode Laser Approach in Two Case Reports

“…A recent systematic review and meta-analysis have demonstrated that pediatric ankyloglossia is associated with suboptimal breastfeeding, infant gastroesophageal reflux, low maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, and moderately intense nipple pain. This can deter mothers from practicing exclusive breastfeeding [ 3 ] for impeding a great breast milk transfer by the infant, thus being considered a risk factor for premature breastfeeding cessation [ 4 , 14 ]. In the presence of a restrictive lingual frenulum, frenotomy can increase maternal and infant comfort, improve breast milk transfer, and prevent cessation of breastfeeding.…”

“…The treatment of ankyloglossia can be frenotomy, frenectomy, and frenuloplasty [ 2 , 13 ], and can be performed by a conventional method, with scissors, or electrocautery or laser techniques [ 2 , 4 , 14 ]. The use of laser technologies for frenotomies/frenectomies has been demonstrated as an effective method for the surgical treatment of ankyloglossia [ 2 , 8 , 14 , 21 , 22 ]. Different types of lasers can be used in lingual frenulum surgery.…”