Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for long-term postoperative sequelae in children operated for type III esophageal atresia: A series case

Abstract

Background and purpose of the study: Esophageal atresia (AE) is a congenital anomaly that affects the normal development of the esophagus in neonates. The timely surgical approach allows its resolution, but long-term morbidities in adolescents show neurological developmental abnormalities and musculoskeletal deformities. The goal in this preliminary study is to investigate the recovery of the range of the right upper limb movement and on the rise of the anthropometric parameters through the osteopathic manipulative treatment, which, by acting on the connective system has a trophotropic effect documented. Materials and Methods: 5 children with type III AE were included in the study. 6 OMTs were performed in 4 months. At each treatment, the following were assessed height, weight, BMI and ROM in elevation of the right upper limb. OMT has been applied to improve scar, larynx, rib cage, and sternum mobility. Results: in the statural growth there was an average change of 2.3 cm in 4 months and in the ROM of the upper limb there was an average increase of 8° in 4 months. There were no significant changes in weight and BMI. Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that it is a viable option to be further researched. In addition, the study provides potentially valuable evidence that the osteopathic manipulative treatment could benefit the increase in anthropometric parameters and the mobility of the right upper limb of children operated on for AE. In light of the results, new studies to evaluate the effectiveness of OMT in post surgical treatment of congenital malformations of the thorax can be considered in the future.