PURPOSE: We present a 17-year follow-up of an unusual patient with median cleft of the lower lip, mandible, and tongue with a flexion contracture. CONCLUSION: Timing of the mandibular reconstruction needs to take into account growth of the mandible and masticatory function. In this case, fixation of the mandible performed at the age of 6 years 6 months and reconstruction carried out at 7 years 8 months of age resulted in satisfactory occlusion and masticatory function.
PURPOSE: We present a 17-year follow-up of an unusual patient with median cleft of the lower lip, mandible, and tongue with a flexion contracture. CONCLUSION: Timing of the mandibular reconstruction needs to take into account growth of the mandible and masticatory function. In this case, fixation of the mandible performed at the age of 6 years 6 months and reconstruction carried out at 7 years 8 months of age resulted in satisfactory occlusion and masticatory function.