Rehabilitation of Microglossia with Mandibular Distraction

Objective: Describe an approach to surgical rehabilitation of feeding, speech, and upper airway obstruction in an infant with microglossia and micrognathia. Method: Case report and literature review. Results: We describe a 17-month-old child with micrognathia, microglossia, and submucus cleft palate who was initially fed via g-tube and did not require early airway interventions. As the child was attaining normal developmental milestones, the decision was made to perform bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis as a means of improving feeding, speech, and clinical symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. In this report, relevant literature is also reviewed as it pertains to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of this rare craniofacial anomaly. Conclusion: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis improved glossoptosis and created a more favorable position of the tongue within the oral cavity. This in turn allowed for an overall improvement in oral motor function culminating in removal of the feeding tube.