Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2010 Aug;53(8):491-496. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2010.53.8.491.

The Improvement of Tongue Mobility and Articulation after Frenotomy in Patient with Ankyloglossia

• Lee HJ
• Park HS
• Park BS
• Choi JW
• Koo SK

• KMID: 2277150
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2010.53.8.491

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Ankyloglossia, manifested by the short and lingual frenulum, can affect tongue mobility and articulation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the improvement of tongue mobility and articulation in patients with akyloglossia, which is treated by frenotomy.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
A prospective study was done for 81 patients with ankyloglossia undergoing frenotomy, and who were aged between 2 to 10 years old. Outcomes were assessed by measuring tongue mobility, analyzing the articulatory evaluation and reviewing patient questionnaires.
RESULTS
The mean length of tongue elevation improved from 7.4 mm preoperatively to 16.3 mm postoperatively (p<0.05). Similarly, the mean length of tongue protrusion improved from 15.0 mm to 26.0 mm (p<0.05). The mean articulation score improved from 8.5 to 9.9 (p<0.05). Parents' subjective satisfaction scores improved from 2.3 to 3.2 (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Tongue mobility and articulation improved after frenotomy in patients with ankyloglossia.

Keyword

Ankyloglossia; Tongue-tie; Mobility; Articulation

MeSH Terms

Aged
Humans
Mouth Abnormalities
Prospective Studies
Surveys and Questionnaires
Tongue
Mouth Abnormalities