Syngnathia: a report of two cases

Syngnathia is a rare anomaly involving soft tissue or bony adhesions between the maxilla and mandible. Two cases of congenital syngnathia secondary to interalveolar soft tissue synechia are presented. These children present problems with airway protection and feeding in the immediate neonatal period. Most have multiple associated anomalies requiring concurrent management. Less than 50 cases have been described, most commonly in association with popliteal pterygium syndrome. Surgical management involves division of the adhesions in the first few days of life. Depending on the severity, these patients may present formidable anesthetic challenges. The prognosis is generally favorable in cases of soft tissue adhesions with eventual restoration of normal mandibular motion and function.