Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe maxillary frenum Kotlow scores in a pediatric population. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed for children ages 0–19 years old seen at a pediatric otolaryngology clinic by one surgeon from March–December 2022. Inclusion criteria required a recorded maxillary frenum Kotlow score. Data collected included age, gender, race/ethnicity, Kotlow score, and history of maxillary frenotomy. Results570 children were included, comprising 267 (46.8%) females, 302 (53.0%) males, and 1 (0.2%) transgender male. Mean age was 5.0 years (95% CI 4.6–5.4). 24 patients (4.2%) had a history of maxillary frenotomy, while 546 (95.8%) did not. Among those with no maxillary frenotomy history, 21 (3.8%) had a Kotlow 1, 127 (23.3%) Kotlow 2, 261 (47.8%) Kotlow 3, and 137 (25.1%) Kotlow 4. Kotlow scores decreased with age. For children with prior maxillary frenotomy, class 1 frenum mean age was 6.9 years, and class 4 was 0.6 years (P=.008). For those without a maxillary frenotomy history, class 1 frenum mean age was 8.7 years, and class 4 was 1.3 years (P<.001). No association was found between maxillary frenotomy history and lower Kotlow scores. ConclusionNearly half of children have a Kotlow 3 maxillary frenum. Kotlow scores decrease as children age, reflecting elevated frenum insertion as the alveolar ridge develops. Otolaryngologists may find this data valuable when considering maxillary frenotomy in children.
Published Version
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