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Deformational Plagiocephaly and Reduced Cervical Range of Motion: A Pediatric Case Series in a Chiropractic Clinic
Insights
Infant plagiocephaly is linked to restricted cervical spine motion. Most infants with plagiocephaly showed limited passive range of motion (PROM) in their necks, suggesting a connection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Chiropractic Research
- Biomechanical Analysis
Background:
- Deformational plagiocephaly is a common infant condition, potentially linked to cervical spine restrictions.
- Peak incidence occurs around 4 months of age, affecting nearly 20% of infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between infant plagiocephaly and restricted passive range of motion (PROM) in the cervical spine.
- To identify specific patterns of cervical PROM restriction in infants with plagiocephaly.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 150 infant clinical records from a chiropractic practice.
- Inclusion criteria focused on infants under 12 months with recorded cervical PROM measurements and plagiocephaly assessment.
- Data included cervical PROM, location of restriction, and presence of plagiocephaly.
Main Results:
- 78.7% of infants exhibited restricted cervical PROM.
- 60.2% of the total infant cohort showed signs of plagiocephaly.
- A significant 92.2% of infants diagnosed with plagiocephaly had restricted cervical PROM.
Conclusions:
- A strong association exists between plagiocephaly and restricted cervical PROM in infants.
- Restriction in the occipitoatlantal joint is significantly linked to contralateral deformational plagiocephaly.
- Further research, including clinical trials on spinal manipulative therapy, is warranted for infant plagiocephaly and cervical PROM management.
Context:
Deformational plagiocephaly, a non-synostotic asymmetry of the occipital bone, is a frequent occurrence in infants, with a peak incidence of 19.7% at 4 months of age. One aetiology is hypothesized to be due to restriction in normal cervical spine motion.
Objective:
This study aimed to determine if an association exists between plagiocephaly and restrictions in the passive range of motion (PROM) of the cervical spine.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of the clinical records of 150 consecutive cases was performed, with specific inclusion/exclusion criteria applied. Data were collated and analysed.
Setting:
Private chiropractic practice, Victoria, Australia.
Participants:
Participants were 150 infants under 12 months of age, with a mean age of 122 ± 60.6 days and a range in age of 42 to 245 days.
Outcome Measures:
The outcome included measurement of the cervical PROM, identification of the location of the restriction, and a decision about the presence of plagiocephaly.
Results:
In the 150 cases, 78.7% were found to have restrictions in cervical PROM, with 60.2% showing an indication of plagiocephaly. In the cases with plagiocephaly, 92.2% were found to have restrictions in cervical PROM.
Conclusion:
The presence of plagiocephaly was associated with a higher prevalence of restriction in cervical PROM. A statistically significant association existed between restriction of the occipitoatlantal joint and development of contralateral deformational plagiocephaly. Future clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy in the treatment and management of restricted cervical PROM and plagiocephaly in infants are needed.
