SUMMARY In infants with craniofacial disorders, upper airway obstruction is one of the primary causes for morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period. Infants with craniofacial disorders, including Pierre Robin sequence, are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Because of the complexity of their care, these neonates are usually followed by a multidisciplinary team to ensure timely evaluation and optimal treatment. In addition to history and physical examination, clinical evaluation may include genetic testing, imaging, endoscopy, and polysomnography. There are various treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical, that may be used depending on clinical assessment, underlying condition, and severity of disease. Recent advances have led to better assessment and treatment of these patients, but many questions remain. This review outlines the available literature pertaining to the evaluation and management of upper airway obstruction in the neonate with craniofacial conditions, with a particular focus on Pierre Robin sequence.

The causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, or hypomobility, are many, and it is important to understand the underlying etiology before treatment. Classically, TMJ ankylosis has been diagnosed by clinical evaluation and static imaging techniques such as plain radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Static imaging demonstrates the size and location of the bones and soft tissues of the TMJ at a given moment; however, it fails to show the dynamic relationship of structures as the condylar head goes through its range of motion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of videofluoroscopy as a dynamic means of assessing TMJ ankylosis. To do so, videofluoroscopy must be able to distinguish between bony fusion, fibrosis of the surrounding soft tissues, degeneration of the joint space, and mechanical causes of joint limitation. Six patients--2 healthy controls and 4 patients with known TMJ ankylosis--were submitted to standardized videofluoroscopic evaluation and thorough physical examination that included measurement of mandibular excursion. Videofluoroscopic data were compared with physical data. Condylar displacement was recorded in all patients, and values ranged from 0% to 100%. Videofluoroscopy allowed for the measurement of the TMJ joint space and for a detailed observation of bony and soft tissue components as they ranged in motion. In all cases, the exact cause limiting mandibular excursion was noted. Videofluoroscopy has become our preferred method of imaging the TMJ because it provides a detailed and dynamic evaluation at a reasonable cost.

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