Binder syndrome is a rare condition that affects the appearance of the face. People with binder syndrome are always born with it. If you have Binder syndrome, the upper jaw and nose are usually not fully developed. It can affect eating and breathing abilities and often requires surgery.
You may hear other names for Binder syndrome, including Binder phenotype, nasomaxillary hypoplasia, maxillonasal dysplasia, and Binder type nasomaxillary dysplasia.
Common symptoms of Binder syndrome include:
These symptoms are less common but still seen:
The most common symptom of Binder syndrome is the central part of the face not fully developing.
It’s not known what causes Binder syndrome. Genetics is thought to play some role, as there are families where there’s more than one child with Binder syndrome.
Environmental influences are also thought to play a role, with certain factors like alcohol consumption during pregnancy, exposure to drugs known to cause birth defects in utero, Vitamin K deficiency, and traumatic birth thought to be contributing factors.
However, more research is needed to determine a specific cause. There are no known risk factors.
Your infant’s healthcare provider can diagnose Binder syndrome based on facial appearance. They’ll order an imaging test, like a computerised tomography (CT) scan, to confirm the diagnosis.
Complications of binder syndrome include trouble eating, trouble breathing, heart defects, developmental delay, spine issues, and any lifelong health conditions linked to these initial complications.
Treatment for Binder syndrome will vary based on how severe the case is. Orthodontic care can be used to straighten the teeth. Surgery is often done to reposition the jaw and shape the nose. Most doctors recommend waiting to do surgery until a child’s bones have stopped developing, although surgery may be done to fix life-threatening symptoms.
There is no way to prevent Binder syndrome but ensuring that you have a healthy pregnancy and get enough vitamins throughout your pregnancy may reduce the risk.
Most people with Binder syndrome live happy and healthy lives. There is rarely a need for a repeat surgery after surgery on the jaw and nose. Appearance and activities of daily life are all normal after corrective surgery.