Ankyloglossia

Aka: Ankyloglossia, Tongue-Tied, Short Lingual Frenulum, Lingual Frenectomy

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II. Epidemiology

  1. Prevalence varies from 0.1 to 10% of infants
    1. Prevalence varies significantly due to subjective nature of the definition

III. Pathophysiology

  1. Congenital disorder of limited Tongue mobility due to a tight lingual frenulum
  2. Short frenulum tethers the Tongue to the mouth floor and may inhibit feeding

IV. Signs

  1. Short Lingual Frenulum
  2. Decreased Tongue protrusion

V. Management

  1. Conservative measures
    1. See Lactation Problems for the Infant
    2. Parental education and Lactation Support
    3. Speech therapy if needed
  2. Surgical Management (Lingual Frenectomy)
    1. Has historically been controversial, but growing evidence for benefit
    2. Lactation benefits
      1. May reduce Nipple Soreness in Lactation
      2. May decrease Lactation Problems for the Infant
    3. Speech benfits
      1. May improve speech articulation in young children
    4. References
      1. Carnino (2024) Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 133(6):566-74 +PMID: 38444142 [PubMed]
      2. Cordray (2024) Pediatr Res 95(1):34-42 +PMID: 37608056 [PubMed]

VI. References

  1. Straub (2024) Am Fam Physician 110(5): 467-75 [PubMed]

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