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Infants With Torticollis Who Changed Head Presentation During A Physical Therapy Episode
Kelly R Greve1, Rebecca A Perry, Amy K Mischnick
1Division of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Insights
Infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) often change head presentation during physical therapy. Early intervention and consistent therapy lead to symptom resolution in most cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Physical Therapy
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common condition in infants.
- Understanding presentation changes is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe infants diagnosed with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT).
- To analyze changes in head presentation during physical therapy for infants with CMT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of electronic medical records from January 2015 to December 2018.
- Inclusion criteria focused on infants with CMT who experienced a change in head presentation.
Main Results:
- Eighty-nine infants with CMT were analyzed, predominantly male, non-Hispanic, White with private insurance.
- Most infants presented early (by 3 months) with mild CMT, abnormal head shape, and limited active cervical range of motion (ROM).
- Physical therapy averaged 7 visits over 64 days, with 73% of infants achieving their goals.
Conclusions:
- Infants with CMT can change head presentation during physical therapy.
- Physical therapists should anticipate presentation changes and continue therapy to resolve symptoms effectively.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to describe infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) who changed head presentation during an episode of physical therapy.
Methods:
Data were extracted from electronic medical records between January 2015 and December 2018 to describe infants with CMT who changed presentation.
Results:
Eighty-nine infants met criteria (predominantly male, non-Hispanic, White, with private insurance). Torticollis symptoms were noticed by 3 months in 90% of infants with a physical therapy examination before 6 months in 100% of infants. Most infants had early mild CMT with abnormal head shape and greater limitation in active cervical range of motion (ROM) than passive cervical ROM. Clinicians frequently recommended weekly physical therapy that included first- choice and supplemental interventions. Episodes of care averaged 7 visits over 64 days with 73% of infants meeting goals.
Conclusion:
Physical therapists should recognize that infants with CMT may change presentation but benefit from physical therapy to resolve symptoms.Digital Abstract available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A366.
