Development of a tongue-tie case definition in newborns using a Delphi survey: The NYU–Tongue-Tie Case Definition

Ralph V. Katz, Bianca A. Dearing, James M. Ryan, Lisa K. Ryan, Malik K. Zubi, Gurpreet K. Sokhal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to develop an operational definition of the oral condition of ankyloglossia (also called tongue-tie) that occurs in newborns (i.e., age birth–6 months) and that could consistently be used in research studies. Study Design: This 4-round Delphi survey developed the consensus New York University–Tongue-Tie Case Definition (NYU-TTCD) by using a panel of ankyloglossia treatment experts. Results: This tongue-tie case definition (TTCD) was carefully created in a step-wise manner from the bottom up by expert panelists over 4 rounds of inquiry. As a functioning case definition, it offers the diagnostician 2 separate pathways to identifying a newborn as being tongue tied. One pathway requires but a single pathognomonic anatomic feature, and the other pathway requires a single functional deficit accompanied by at least 2 of 12 other diagnostic items (functional, anatomic, or behavioral). Conclusions: This Delphi survey, as administered to a panel of ankyloglossia treatment experts, produced the first consensus case definition of tongue-tie for newborns (i.e., age birth–6 months) for use in epidemiologic research studies ranging from descriptive prevalence studies to clinical trials. Next-step studies should establish the validity, reliability, and utility of this novel NYU-TTCD case definition for epidemiologic and clinical purposes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)21-26
Number of pages6
JournalOral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology
Volume129
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Oral Surgery
  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Dentistry (miscellaneous)
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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