Fast and early mandibular osteogenetic distraction in a 24-day-old female newborn with Larsen syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Larsen syndrome (LS) is a rare bone dysplasia characterized by multiple dislocations affecting large and small joints, progressive scoliosis, accessory and early ossifying carpal/tarsal bones, and characteristic craniofacial features. CASE PRESENTATION: A newborn with a clinical diagnosis of LS is presented. Shortly after birth, she had respiratory distress due to retrognathia. Such a life-threatening complication was resolved by mandibular distraction osteogenesis at 24 days of age. CONCLUSION: Fast and early mandibular osteogenetic distraction could represent an optimal tool to avoid tracheostomy and to improve oral feeding in patients with rare conditions, such as LS. © 2014 Mutaz B. Habal, MD.