Congenital Muscular Torticollis Flashcards
definition:
postural deformity evident shortly after birth
typically presenting as side bending of the neck to one side and head or chin rotation to the opposite side
due to shortening of sternocleidomastoid muscle on one side of the neck
may be accompanied by other msk or neurological conditions
named by:
side of the tight muscle
torticollis R sided =
nose/face rotates to L
R ear tilts to R shoulder
tight R SCM muscle
incidence:
1 in 6 newborns (16%)
more prevalent in males - 3:2
15% of babies with CMT also have hip dysplasia
CMT frequently is accompanied with cranial deformation = distortion of shape of skull due to mechanical force occurring prenatally and postnatally
types of CMT
postural
muscular
SCM mass
postural CMT
most mild form
infant exhibits postural preference without muscle tightness or restriction to PROM
muscular CMT
characterized by tightness of SCM muscle and limitation of PROM
SCM mass CMT
most severe form
presents with thickening of SCM muscle and restricted PROm
etiology:
prenatal factors
perinatal factors
postnatal factors
prenatal factors:
longer body length
intrauterine crowding
perinatal factors:
birth trauma
postnatal factors:
positional preference
containers
gastrointestinal reflux
identification - who?
physicians
nurse
midwives
obstetrical nurses
nurse practitioners
lactation specialists
PTs
any clinician or family member
identification - what?
refer infants to their primary physician and a PT with expertise in infants
identification - when?
earlier the better if they notice:
postural preference
reduced cervical ROM
SCM mass
craniofacial asymmetry
prognosis:
referral before 1 month
98% of infants achieve near normal range within 1.5 months
prognosis:
referral between 1-6 months
prolongs interventions to about 6 months
prognosis:
referral after 6 months
requires 9+ months of intervention with fewer infants achieving near normal range
possible complications if untreated:
1) trouble bringing their hands to midline
2) delayed visual development and visual tracking
3) problems with motor planning
4) decreased or limited protective responses on affected side
5) asymmetrical motor skills and transitional movements
6) cranial deformation
**they are always lying on that side
shortening of the ____ shortly after birth
sternocleidomastoid
named by ____
side of tight muscle
frequently accompanied with ____
cranial deformation
can lead to delays in ____ and ____
motor
visual development
_______ and ______ is key
early diagnosis
treatment
Examination:
document infant history
routines
exam body structures
strength and mobility
Family Interview - History
Age at initial visit (chronological and corrected age)
Age of onset of symptoms
Pregnancy history including maternal sense of whether the baby was “stuck” in one position during the final 6 weeks of pregnancy
Delivery history including birth presentation (cephalic or breech); use of assistance during delivery such as forceps or vacuum suction
Head posture/preference and changes in the head/face
Family history of torticollis or any other congenital or developmental conditions
Other known or suspected medical conditions
Developmental milestones appropriate for age
Family Interview - Routines
feeding
sleeping
tummy time
time in equipment/devices
daycare/sitter
Posture and Positioning
Observe the infant in all positions, documenting alignment, preferred positioning, posturing, and tolerance
supine
prone
supported upright positions
sidelying
supine =
Document the side of torticollis, asymmetrical hip, trunk, and extremity positions, facial and skull asymmetries, restricted AROM
prone =
Document asymmetry of the spine, the head on the trunk, asymmetrical use of the extremities, and the infant’s tolerance
supported upright positions =
Document asymmetrical preferential postures and compensations in the shoulders, trunk, and hip
side lying =
Document asymmetries, trunk flexion or extension, head lifting, leg position