TREATIMENT OF ANKYLOGLOSSIA USING Z-PLASTY TECHNIQUE: A CASE REPORT

설유착증 환자에서의 Z-Plasty를 이용한 치료증례

Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, is a congenital condition which occurs as a result of fusion between the tongue and the floor of the mouth. Ankyloglossia often results in malocclusion with an anterior "open bite" deformity, early prognathism, swallowing problem, speech disorder, and periodontal problem. Generally lingual frenectomy is used for treatment of ankyloglossia, but incomplete operation and simple frenectomy may produce a scar contracture resulting in a more deformed ankyloglossia than was present initially. The Z-plasty is used for the correction of scar contractures and the replacement of missing tissue and this procedure is ideally suited for the treatment of an ankylosed frenum. Most authors advise postponement of any decision for surgical correction of tongue-tie until the age of 4 years, unless the child is having much difficulty with sucking or swallowing. We treated 4 patients with ankyloglossia using Z-plasty technique. As a result, we found out that it was effective for correction of movement limitation of tongue, prevention of relapse. Further, periodic check ups are needed for evaluation of relapse, improvement of speech, and other functions of the tongue.