Isolated congenital maxillomandibular synechiae

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital maxillomandibular syngnathia, or fusion of the jaws, is a rare condition that has a broad spectrum of presentations. The restricted mouth opening can lead to issues with feeding, swallowing, and respiration resulting in failure to thrive and temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Early recognition and treatment is necessary for proper growth and development.

Case report: We report a 1-day-old male with isolated bilateral soft tissue alveolar fibrous bands. He presented with difficulty feeding secondary to trismus. No bony or muscular involvement in the synechiae was noted and the remainder of the physical exam was unremarkable. The bilateral alveolar synechiae were divided under local anesthesia using surgical scissors. The patient immediately showed improvement in mouth opening and had resolution of his feeding problems. He is now gaining weight and developing appropriately.

Discussion: The accompanying review of the literature demonstrates only 11 cases worldwide of isolated maxillomandibular fusion. Depending upon the composition of the synechiae, simple surgical division under local anesthesia can be curative.