What is Pierre Robin Sequence/Complex?
Pierre Robin Sequence or Complex (pronounced “Roban”) is the name given to a birth condition that involves the lower jaw being either small in size (micrognathia) or set back from the upper jaw (retrognathia). As a result, the tongue tends to be displaced back towards the throat, where it can fall back and obstruct the airway (glossoptosis). Most infants, but not all, will also have a cleft palate, but none will have a cleft lip. Over the years there have been several names given to the condition, including Pierre Robin Syndrome, Pierre Robin Triad, and Robin Anomalad. Based on the varying features and causes of the condition, either “Robin Sequence” or “Robin Complex” may be an appropriate description for a specific patient. Pierre Robin was a French physician who first reported the combination of small lower jaw, cleft palate, and tongue displacement in 1923. What causes this condition? The basic cause appears to be the failure of the lower jaw to develop normally before birth. At ab
