Tessier 30 Facial Cleft: A Rare Craniofacial Anomaly

Abstract

Aim: Surgical correction of median mandibular cleft with ankylossia. Background: Orofacial developmental abnormalities that involve the upper lip and face are the most common variety. The midline cleft of the mandible is one of the rarest categorized as Tessier #30, which extends along the midline of the mandible, along with ankyloglossia or aglossia. The morphogenesis of craniofacial clefts could be due to the lack of fusion or normal development of the facial processes in the first branchial arch or failure of the mesodermal penetration into the midline. Case description: This article presents a case of a 3-year-old female child with complete median cleft of the mandible and tongue with ankyloglossia. Single-stage mandibular cleft union with the concept of osteosynthesis and surgical correction of ankyloglossia was performed to restore function and esthetics at the earliest. Clinical significance: This case signifies the rarity, and as very few cases have been reported worldwide, it is mandatory and worthwhile bringing to light whenever it occurs.