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Physical Therapy for a Child With Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis and Motor Delay
Rhea K Hall1, Mary Jane Rapport
1Department of Pediatrics, JFK Partners (Dr Hall), and Physical Therapy Program, Anschutz Medical Campus (Dr Rapport), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora.
Insights
Physical therapy (PT) helped a 10-month-old infant with infantile idiopathic scoliosis and motor delay. The child’s spinal curve improved, and they achieved independent walking within six months of PT intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis Management
- Gross Motor Development
Background:
- Infantile idiopathic scoliosis (IIS) requires early intervention to prevent curve progression.
- Delayed gross motor milestones are common in infants with IIS.
- Traditional treatments like serial casting may be invasive.
Observation:
- A 10-month-old infant diagnosed with IIS (28° left thoracolumbar curve) and motor delay presented for physical therapy.
- The infant was not yet rolling or transitioning to sitting independently.
- Physical therapy was administered weekly in the home environment for six months.
Findings:
- The infant's scoliosis resolved to a 12° curve without serial casting.
- The infant achieved independent walking by the end of the intervention period.
- Significant improvements in gross motor skills were observed.
Implications:
- Home-based physical therapy can be an effective intervention for infantile idiopathic scoliosis.
- Early PT may reduce the need for more invasive treatments.
- Addressing motor delays alongside scoliosis management yields positive developmental outcomes.
Purpose:
The purpose of this case report is to describe physical therapy (PT) for a child with infantile idiopathic scoliosis and motor delay.
Key Points:
A 10-month-old boy with a 28° left thoracolumbar scoliosis was referred for PT and was seen weekly in his home over a 6-month period following a diagnosis of scoliosis and delayed gross motor milestones. Before the initiation of PT, the child was scheduled to undergo serial casting for correction of the spinal curve and was not yet rolling or transitioning in or out of sitting. By the end of the 6-month intervention period, the spinal curve had resolved to 12° without the need for serial casting and the child was walking independently.
Conclusion:
PT appeared to have a positive effect on reduction of the spinal curve and achievement of gross motor milestones.
