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Ankyloglossia: controversies in management
1Division of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Packard Childrens Hospital at Stanford, 725 Welch Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA. anna.messner@medcenter.stanford.edu
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|September 1, 2000
Summary
Beliefs about tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) vary significantly among healthcare professionals. While lactation consultants often link it to feeding issues, pediatricians are less convinced, highlighting controversy in its management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric medicine
- Speech-language pathology
- Lactation consulting
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, is a condition affecting the lingual frenulum.
- There is ongoing debate regarding the clinical significance and appropriate management of ankyloglossia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and document current professional beliefs about ankyloglossia.
- To understand differing perspectives on the association between tongue-tie and various functional issues.
- To assess treatment recommendations among different medical specialties.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous written survey was distributed to four professional groups: otolaryngologists (OTO), pediatricians (PD), speech pathologists (SP), and lactation consultants (LC).
- Response rates varied across groups, with LCs at 58% and PDs at 55% being the highest.
- The survey collected data on participants' beliefs regarding the impact of ankyloglossia and their treatment approaches.
Main Results:
- Lactation consultants (69%) were more likely than physicians to believe tongue-tie is associated with feeding problems.
- A majority of OTOs (60%) and SPs (50%) believed tongue-tie can cause speech difficulties, compared to only 23% of PDs.
- Surgical intervention for ankyloglossia was recommended more frequently by OTOs than PDs for feeding, speech, and social/mechanical issues.
Conclusions:
- The clinical significance of ankyloglossia in children is a subject of considerable controversy.
- Discrepancies in beliefs and treatment recommendations exist both within and between professional disciplines.
- Further research may be needed to establish consensus on the diagnosis and management of ankyloglossia.
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