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Delayed Sublingual Edema Following Neonatal Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis
Emma Marin Miller1, Walter Nicholas Jungbauer, William W Carroll
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|July 27, 2023
Summary
Delayed sublingual swelling is a rare complication after neonatal mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO). This condition can cause feeding difficulties and may require conservative management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Neonatal micrognathia, often associated with Robin sequence, can necessitate mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO).
- While MDO is effective, potential complications require ongoing investigation.
- Delayed onset sublingual swelling is an underreported sequela.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare complication of delayed onset sublingual swelling following neonatal MDO.
- To describe the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and management of this condition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 3 pediatric patients.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, MDO history, and symptoms.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate sublingual gland edema.
Main Results:
- Three patients presented with intermittent sublingual edema 2-12 months post-MDO.
- Symptoms included sialorrhea and feeding difficulties without signs of infection.
- MRI revealed asymmetric sublingual gland edema in all patients.
Conclusions:
- Chronic, delayed onset, intermittent sublingual edema is a potential long-term complication of neonatal MDO.
- Conservative management appears feasible for this condition.
- Further research is needed to determine the incidence and optimal treatment strategies.
