Infants With Torticollis Who Changed Head Presentation During A Physical Therapy Episode

Abstract

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.