Chin surgery VI: Treatment of an unusual deformity, the tethered microgenic chin.
BACKGROUND
Although the condition is rare, some children are born with cervical clefts or masses that require repair during infancy. The scarring in the submental region can tether the developing mandible at the menton, producing a developmental microgenia or "tethered chin."


METHODS
A retrospective review of the senior author's (B.M.Z.) patient records was performed; three cases of tethered chin were identified. In each case, a staged surgical approach was used.


RESULTS
In two cases, previous unsuccessful surgery complicated the initial presentation. In all cases, the underlying soft-tissue anomalies were addressed and the microgenia was corrected. Satisfactory aesthetic and functional results were obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
The tethered chin represents a rare entity. Correction of the tethered chin requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying abnormality and an appreciation of the multiple factors that contribute to chin function and aesthetics.
Spector
Jason A
JA
New York, N.Y. From the Weill Cornell Medical College and the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, New York University School of Medicine.
Warren
Stephen M
SM
Zide
Barry M
BM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002680:Chin / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011859:Radiography; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*