Congenital fibrous fusion of the jaws (synechiae) with cleft palate: A case report

Abstract

Background: Congenital maxillomandibular fusion is a rare disorder. Maxillomandibular fusion is usually discovered immediately after birth because the newborn is unable to open mouth or feed normally. The fusion defects can present with a wide range of severity, ranging from mucosal band (synechiae) to complete bony fusion (syngnathia).

Case description: We report a case of congenital alveolar synechiae with posterior cleft palate in a 3-day-old male neonate. The newborn was managed with the help of a multi-disciplinary approach.

Conclusion: Fusion of the gums is a very rare congenital anomaly. Early division of fibrous bands not only allows effective feeding but also prevents the development of facial deformities. However, anesthesia for this procedure can be challenging.

Keywords: Congenital; cleft palate; fibrous fusion; synechiae; syngnathia.