The AAO Journal, 2025/06, 35(2):10. doi: 10.53702/i2375-5717-35.2.5, type of study: ,ret,

Full text    (https://aaoj.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/aaoj/35/2/article-p5.xml)

Keywords:

ankyloglossia [4]
breastfeeding [38]
infants [211]
OMT [3924]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
pediatrics [573]
retrospective study [339]
tongue tie [2]
USA [1752]

Abstract:

Introduction/Background: Ankyloglossia is a common congenital condition of a tight lingual frenulum and can be associated with breastfeeding difficulties in infants and babies. Current diagnosis requires multidisciplinary evaluation, and treatment modalities include osteopathic manipulation treatment (OMT), physical therapy, tongue stretching exercises, or frenotomy. OMT has been shown to improve breastfeeding difficulties, but there is little research for specifically its role in helping with breastfeeding related to ankyloglossia, or timing of OMT related to other interventions. We hypothesized that regardless of ankyloglossia severity, OMT would have either a perceived or measurable benefit in cases of difficult feeding. Methods: All full term infants with a diagnosis of ankyloglossia (n=73) who were referred for OMT at the Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Residency–Eau Claire between 2018 and 2024 were reviewed. Records were divided into those who underwent a frenotomy and those who did not. The data for this study was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Thirty of 73 (41%) of infants underwent frenotomy procedure, with 9/30 (30%) receiving OMT before frenotomy, 12/30 (40%) after, and 9/30 (30%) both before and after. Of those that underwent frenotomy, 8/30 (27%) had a recorded severe frenulum restriction with improved feeding after procedure. Mothers of infants with mild and moderate restrictions 22/30 (73%) reported more subjective improvement with OMT than frenotomy. Subjective parental perception of improved breastfeeding was high 72/73 (99%) regardless of frenotomy status. No adverse events were reported from OMT. Conclusions: The findings of this retrospective chart review indicate that OMT is a safe and effective treatment for ankyloglossia related breastfeeding difficulties in this population of term infants and highlights the need for further prospective research in this area.