Associated anomalies in Pierre Robin sequence

Computerized Surgical Planning for Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is a technically challenging procedure due to complex mandibular anatomy, especially in the treatment of Pierre-Robin Sequence due to variable bone thickness in the infant mandible and the presence of tooth buds. Computerized surgical planning (CSP) simplifies the procedure by preoperatively visualizing critical structures, producing cutting guides, and planning distractor placement. This paper describes the process of using CSP to plan mandibular distraction osteogenesis, including discussion of recent advances in the use of custom distractors.

Reducing delayed detection of isolated cleft palate-related deformity: a call for routine intraoral examination of newborns

OBJECTIVE

To provide healthcare professional-friendly practical recommendations for early detection of cleft palate-related deformities in newborns and offer an overview of managing these high-prevalent congenital abnormalities.

SOURCE OF DATA

PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases were reviewed for cleft- and diagnosis-related studies.

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS

Unfortunately, the global prevalence of delayed detection of cleft palate-related deformities remains unacceptably high, with over a quarter of cleft palates missed at birth. This delayed identification causes physical and psychological distress for patients and families, including feeding challenges and weight faltering. To improve cleft management, it is essential to adopt routine detailed, in-depth intraoral examination immediately after birth. It is recommended not only to finger-assisted palpate the intraoral structures but also to visually inspect the oral cavity from gingiva to uvula using a wooden tongue depressor and light-assisted examination. With timely diagnosis and referral to specialized care, pediatricians, nurses, speech therapists, and plastic surgeons provide life-changing treatments, including health care maintenance, anticipatory guidance, feeding support, primary surgical reconstruction, and age- and condition-specific protocols.

CONCLUSIONS

Encouraging neonatologists and pediatricians, who are the first to examine newborns, to actively investigate the intraoral region for cleft palate-related deformities is instrumental in optimizing therapeutic approaches and prioritizing age-phases in treatment. Their crucial role in early detection and referral can lead to transformative outcomes, impacting not only the future of the newborns by facilitating functional integration into society but also yielding positive effects on families and the health system.

The Evolution of Robin Sequence Treatment Based on the Biomimetic Interdisciplinary Approach: A Historical Review

The Robin sequence is a congenital anomaly characterized by a triad of features: micrognathia, glossoptosis, and airway obstruction. This comprehensive historical review maps the evolution of approaches and appliances for its treatment from the past to the current modern possibilities of an interdisciplinary combination of modern engineering, medicine, materials, and computer science combined approach with emphasis on designing appliances inspired by nature and individual human anatomy. Current biomimetic designs are clinically applied, resulting in appliances that are more efficient, comfortable, sustainable, and safer than legacy traditional designs. This review maps the treatment modalities that have been used for patients with a Robin sequence over the years. Early management of the Robin sequence focused primarily on airway maintenance and feeding support, while current management strategies involve both nonsurgical and surgical interventions and biomimetic biocompatible personalized appliances. The goal of this paper was to provide a review of the evolution of management strategies for patients with the Robin sequence that led to the current interdisciplinary biomimetic approaches impacting the future of Robin Sequence treatment with biomimetics at the forefront.