A Comprehensive Approach to Robin Sequence

Abstract

Robin sequence is a congenital condition characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis, and airway obstruction with or without cleft palate. The condition is best managed by a multidisciplinary team proficient in treating the complex pediatric airway, including pediatricians, speech and feeding specialists, and surgeons. Conservative treatment includes prone positioning, nasopharyngeal airways, supplemental oxygen, and feeding support to maintain a patent airway and promote infant growth. For infants requiring further intervention, the tongue may be repositioned anteriorly through surgical tongue-lip adhesion or nonsurgical techniques including the orthodontic airway plate. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is used in severe cases with the goal to avoid tracheostomy.

Keywords: Cleft palate; Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO); Micrognathia; Retrognathia; Robin sequence (RS); Tongue-based airway obstruction (TBAO).