Objective Tongue-Function Outcomes After Lingual Frenotomy with Adjunctive Myofascial Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Observational Longitudinal Study.

Background/

Objectives

Restricted tongue mobility may require lingual frenotomy; postoperative scarring can cause secondary restriction, making rehabilitation relevant. We evaluated tongue mobility and pressure after frenotomy with adjunctive myofascial rehabilitation, and their association with adherence.

Methods

This retrospective observational longitudinal study analyzed anonymized records of 64 patients aged 5-46 years treated between 2021 and 2024. All underwent frenotomy followed by a structured Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) protocol. Tongue mobility (Tongue Elevation at Maximal Mouth Opening, TEMMO) and tongue pressure (Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, IOPI) were assessed at baseline and at up to four follow-up visits (≈15 months). Adherence was classified retrospectively as high (≥3 home MRT sessions/week) or low.

Results

Among V4 completers (n = 30), mean IOPI increased from 35.4 to 49.0 kPa and mean TEMMO improved from 3.1 to 1.4; 66.7% achieved TEMMO grade 1. Higher adherence was associated with better final tongue pressure (52.7 vs. 43.5 kPa; mean difference, 9.2 kPa; 95% CI, 0.8-17.6; p = 0.032). No postoperative complications were documented.

Conclusions

Lingual frenotomy with adjunctive MRT-based rehabilitation was associated with favorable tongue-function changes and better adherence with better long-term outcomes among completers. Prospective controlled studies are needed to clarify the contributions of surgery, rehabilitation, and adherence.