Congenital fusion of the jaws: a management protocol

Complete Maxillo-Mandibular Syngnathia in a Newborn with Multiple Congenital Malformations

“…Very little information exists on the long-term outcome of these patients. 1 In conclusion, syngnathia is an extremely rare condition of unknown etiology. We report a case of complete bony syngnathia and an association with multiple congenital malformations distinct from previously described syndromes.…”

“…Most documented cases involve a unilateral fibrous fusion. 1 We present the case of a newborn infant with a previously unreported association of congenital malformations that include a complete bilateral bony fusion of the mandible to the zygomatic complex and the maxillary tuberosity.…”

Congenital Bilateral Zygomatico-Maxillo-Mandibular Fusion Associated With Gum Fusion

“…4,5 Syngnathia is used when there is fusion between the maxilla and the mandible, which may be unilateral or bilateral and which may affect all tissues at these sites. 6 It was first reported by Burket in 1936. 7 It can vary in severity from single mucosal bands (synechiae) to complete bony fusion (synostosis), which is less common than synechiae.…”

“…7 It results from fusion between the maxilla or zygoma and the mandible, 2 or fusion of the mandible to temporal bone. 6 Fusion of the alveolar ridges of the mandible and maxilla is reported more commonly than fusion of the ascending rami of the mandible to the posterior area of the maxilla and zygomatic complex. 9 Fusion of the jaws is commonly associated with cleft lip, cleft palate, cleft mandible, oblique facial cleft, mandibular hypoplasia, hemifacial microsomia, glossopalatine ankylosis, microglossia, congenital amputation of arms and legs, colobomas, scoliosis, Horner syndrome, hypertelorism, low-set ears, and other ear deformities.…”

“…9 Fusion of the jaws is commonly associated with cleft lip, cleft palate, cleft mandible, oblique facial cleft, mandibular hypoplasia, hemifacial microsomia, glossopalatine ankylosis, microglossia, congenital amputation of arms and legs, colobomas, scoliosis, Horner syndrome, hypertelorism, low-set ears, and other ear deformities. 6,10,11 …”