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Published on: February 5, 2019
Osteopathic evaluation of somatic dysfunction and craniosacral strain pattern among preterm and term newborns
Gianfranco Pizzolorusso1, Francesco Cerritelli, Marianna D'Orazio
1European Institute for Evidence Based Osteopathic Medicine, Chieti, Italy. gianfranco.pizzolorusso@gmail.com
The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
|June 7, 2013
Summary
Osteopathic structural examination identified somatic dysfunction and cranial strain in newborns within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These findings were not linked to gestational age or birth weight.
Area of Science:
- Osteopathic manipulative treatment
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric osteopathy
Background:
- Palpatory skills are fundamental in osteopathic manipulative treatment and diagnosis.
- Osteopathic structural examination aims to identify somatic dysfunction and cranial strain patterns as a basis for treatment.
- Limited research exists on osteopathic evaluations of newborns during hospitalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of somatic dysfunction and cranial strain patterns in preterm and term newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of data from preterm and term newborns admitted to the NICU of Spirito Santo Public Hospital between November 2009 and April 2010.
- Each newborn underwent a single osteopathic evaluation to identify somatic dysfunction and cranial strain patterns.
- Descriptive analysis and chi-squared tests were used to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- Somatic dysfunction was prevalent, particularly in the pelvic area (40.7%) and spine (24.5%).
- Sacroiliac joint compression (52.9%) and lumbosacral junction restriction (39.4%) were common pelvic dysfunctions.
- Cranial findings included sphenobasilar synchondrosis compression and lateral-vertical strain (36.8%), with occipital bone lesions (31%) being frequent.
Conclusions:
- Osteopathic findings in newborns are not influenced by gestational age or birth weight.
- The study highlights the presence of osteopathic dysfunctions in hospitalized newborns, suggesting a need for further research and potential interventions.
