SYNGNATHIA - A REPORT OF 2 CASES

Syngnathia is a rare anomaly involving soft tissue or bony adhesions b etween the maxilla and mandible. Two cases of congenital syngnathia se condary to interalveolar soft tissue synechia are presented. These chi ldren present problems with airway protection and feeding in the immed iate neonatal period. Most have multiple associated anomalies requirin g concurrent management. Less than 50 cases have been described, most commonly in association with popliteal pterygium syndrome. Surgical ma nagement involves division of the adhesions in the first few days of l ife. Depending on the severity, these patients may present formidable anesthetic challenges. The prognosis is generally favorable in cases o f soft tissue adhesions with eventual restoration of normal mandibular motion and function.