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Benefit of physiotherapeutic treatment in children with torticollis
Lena Hautopp1, Susanne Wester, Birgitte Bang
1Æblevangen 68, 2765 Smørum, Denmark. lena.conny.hautopp@regionh.dk.
Insights
Infant torticollis and plagiocephaly improved significantly with physiotherapy. Most children achieved normal range of motion and muscle function within ten sessions, highlighting the effectiveness of early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Physical Therapy
- Developmental Disorders
Background:
- Infant torticollis incidence increased with supine sleeping position adoption.
- Torticollis is often accompanied by plagiocephaly in infants.
- Quantitative measurement tools for torticollis are now available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To monitor a cohort of infants with torticollis.
- To utilize a standardized protocol with validated measurements.
- To assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy for infant torticollis.
Main Methods:
- 136 infants diagnosed with torticollis were included.
- Cervical range of motion, muscle function, and plagiocephaly were assessed.
- Assessments were performed before and after a median of five physiotherapy sessions.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in cervical range of motion deficits post-treatment.
- 82% of infants with plagiocephaly showed improvement.
- 93% achieved symmetrical or near-symmetrical cervical muscle function.
Conclusions:
- Physiotherapy is highly effective for infant torticollis.
- Successful outcomes achieved in 90% of children.
- Fewer than ten physiotherapy sessions were sufficient for most cases.
Introduction:
The incidence of torticollis, which is often accompanied by some degree of plagiocephaly in infants, has remained increased since the introduction of the supine sleeping position to prevent sudden infant death. Recently, instruments allowing quantitative measurement of torticollis and related pathology have been developed and validated. The aim of the present study was to monitor a cohort of children with torticollis using a standardised protocol including valid and reliable measurements.
Methods:
A total of 136 infants diagnosed with torticollis and referred to physiotherapeutic treatment in four paediatric departments were included (October 2009-April 2011). Trained and calibrated physiotherapists assessed their cervical range of motion (ROM), cervical muscle function and severity of plagiocephaly prior to and after the treatment period.
Results:
The infants' median age was three months at inclusion and seven months at the end of the treatment period that comprised a median of five treatment sessions. Initially, 52% and 54% presented with ROM deficits in rotation and lateral flexion, respectively. After treatment, these parts were reduced to 6% and 14%, and the magnitudes of the remaining ROM deficits were substantially reduced. Plagiocephaly improved in 82, remained unchanged in 18 and deteriorated in five of 105 infants with complete follow-up. Symmetrical or almost symmetrical muscle function was achieved in 93% (n = 101).
Conclusion:
A successful outcome was achieved in the majority (90%) of children with torticollis with less than ten physiotherapeutic treatment sessions.
Funding:
not relevant.
Trial Registration:
not relevant.
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