Open AccessSpeech and Language Outcomes in Patients with Ankyloglossia Undergoing Frenulectomy: A Retrospective Pilot Study
Author(s) -
Daggumati Srihari,
Cohn Jason E.,
Brennan Matthew J.,
Evarts Marissa,
McKin Brian J.,
Terk Alyssa R.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
oto open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2473-974X
DOI - 10.1177/2473974x19826943
Subject(s) - medicine , retrospective cohort study , audiology , language impairment , closure (psychology) , psychology , surgery , developmental psychology , economics , market economy
Ankyloglossia is a controversial topic with no standardized treatment guidelines. A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify children who underwent lingual frenulectomy for speech and language impairment. Impairment severity was recorded pre‐ and postoperatively as mild, mild to moderate, moderate, moderate to severe, or severe. Variables were tested with chi‐square analysis for their statistical relationship to improvements in speech and language. Children with preoperative moderate and moderate‐to‐severe speech and language impairment attained better speech and language outcomes after frenulectomy as compared with children with mild and mild‐to‐moderate impairment (100% vs 82%, P =. 015). Sutured closure after frenulectomy was associated with better speech and language improvements (100% vs 83%, P =. 033). One could consider observation of patients with mild and mild‐to‐moderate speech and language impairments. Sutured closure might result in better improvements in speech and language impairments. This pilot study sheds light on the potential impact of a larger study currently underway.