Temporal Trends and Geographic Variation in Frenotomy Procedures Among Infants

What are the temporal trends, geographic variation, and complication rates of frenotomy procedures among Danish infants?In this nationwide cohort of 656 240 infants, the proportion undergoing frenotomy more than doubled from 5% in 2015 to 12% in 2024. Most procedures were performed within the first weeks of life and varied widely across Danish municipalities, and severe complications were rare.These findings suggest that, despite national guidelines promoting conservative management, frenotomy rates have increased markedly in Denmark, indicating a need for more consistent, evidence-based practice to avoid potential overtreatment.

Corresponding Author: Heidi Sonne, MScPharm, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy, and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark (hckildegaard@health.sdu.dk).

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