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Short lingual frenulum and head-forward posture in children with the risk of obstructive sleep apnea

Eliza Brożek-Mądry1, Zofia Burska2, Zuzanna Steć1

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|April 6, 2021
PubMed

Insights

A short lingual frenulum in children is linked to an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Early detection and intervention for ankyloglossia can prevent orofacial changes and sleep-disordered breathing.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Orofacial Development
  • Respiratory Health

Background:

  • A short lingual frenulum is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children.
  • Ankyloglossia can lead to abnormal orofacial development, potentially narrowing airways and increasing collapsibility, thus contributing to sleep-disordered breathing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between a short lingual frenulum and the risk of developing OSAS in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate the impact of lingual frenulum length on upper airway development and collapsibility in children.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 135 children (aged 3-17 years), with 67 in the OSAS risk group and 68 in the control group.
  • Utilized the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) for initial risk assessment.
  • Physical examinations included measurements of head-forward posture (HFP), free tongue length, and palate evaluation.

Main Results:

  • Children with a higher risk of OSAS exhibited significantly shorter lingual frenula compared to controls (OR 5.02 [1.58-15.94]).
  • A higher prevalence of head-forward posture and high-arched palate was observed in the study group.
  • No significant relationship was found between OSAS and head-forward posture in this cohort.

Conclusions:

  • A short lingual frenulum is a significant risk factor for OSAS in children.
  • Early identification and management of ankyloglossia are crucial to prevent associated orofacial changes, malocclusion, and sleep apnea.
  • Further research is needed to explore the relationship between HFP and OSAS.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnkyloglossiaHead-forward postureLength of free tongueObstructive sleep apneaShort lingual frenulum

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