Syngnathia of the anterior mandible in a newborn: Case report

Introduction: Congenital maxillomandibular fusion is a rare disorder of the craniomaxillofacial skeleton and soft tissue that may present as fusion of the soft tissue, also known as synechiae, or as bony fusion, also known as syngnathia. True maxillomandibular fusion without the involvement of other craniomaxillofacial structures is an uncommon condition with few occurrences documented. Case Report: We present the case of a newborn infant with intra-utero documented absence of the second through fourth digits on the right hand and micrognathia visualized on ultrasound. No specific syngnathia or cleft lip or palate was noted. At birth he had congenital malformations of the craniomaxillofacial skeleton that included anterior maxillomandibular syngnathia and fusion of a rudimentary tongue with the soft palate. Conclusion: This case report documents the intra-utero and pre-natal workup, perioperative management, surgical intervention, and postoperative follow-up course for an infant with documented maxillomandibular fusion.