[b][Utah, June 7, 2016][/b] – CranioFacial MD, a craniofacial surgery clinic in Utah, treats patients suffering from Pierre Robin Syndrome using distraction osteogenesis. The clinic diagnoses the condition when they find three characteristics: airway compromise, micrognathia (a small lower jaw), and glossoptosis (the tongue falling back or downwards).

The surgery clinic shares that cleft of the soft palate may be associated with the condition. They say this is because of the tongue displacement in the posterior part, which restricts the development of the palate in the uterus. They add that children suffering from this condition usually have a difficult time eating and breathing.

[b]The Causes of Pierre Robin Syndrome[/b]

CranioFacial MD says there are no known causes of the condition, but doctors observe the Robin sequence in numerous genetic syndromes. CranioFacial MD advises that children born with a cleft palate must also be checked by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to track the buildup of fluid in the back of the ear.

[b]Distraction Osteogenesis[/b]

CranioFacial MD recommends bilateral mandibular osteotomies along with distraction osteogenesis for patients with severely compromised airways. They say it minimizes the need for a definitive breathing tube or a tracheostomoy. They add that after the placement, it will take around four to five years before it can be safely removed.

[b]About CranioFacial MD[/b]

CranioFacial MD is a specialized clinic run by Dr. Rodney Schmelzer, who is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in craniofacial surgery. He has received many awards in his field, including Washington University School of Medicine Resident of the Year. He also got the Junior Investigator Research Grant from The Cleft Palate Foundation in 2001.

For appointment details, visit their website at http://craniofacialmd.com.