['Cases against KiSS': a diagnostic algorithm for children with torticollis]

Spinal manipulation and mobilisation in paediatrics - an international evidence-based position statement for physiotherapists

INTRODUCTION

An international taskforce of clinician-scientists was formed by specialty groups of World Physiotherapy - International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) & International Organisation of Physiotherapists in Paediatrics (IOPTP) - to develop evidence-based practice position statements directing physiotherapists clinical reasoning for the safe and effective use of spinal manipulation and mobilisation for paediatric populations (<18 years) with varied musculoskeletal or non-musculoskeletal conditions.

METHOD

A three-stage guideline process using validated methodology was completed: 1. Literature review stage (one scoping review, two reviews exploring psychometric properties); 2. Delphi stage (one 3-Round expert Delphi survey); and 3. Refinement stage (evidence-to-decision summative analysis, position statement development, evidence gap map analyses, and multilayer review processes).

RESULTS

Evidence-based practice position statements were developed to guide the appropriate use of spinal manipulation and mobilisation for paediatric populations. All were predicated on clinicians using biopsychosocial clinical reasoning to determine when the intervention is appropriate.1. It is not recommended to perform:• Spinal manipulation and mobilisation on infants.• Cervical and lumbar spine manipulation on children.•Spinal manipulation and mobilisation on infants, children, and adolescents for non-musculoskeletal paediatric conditions including asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, breastfeeding difficulties, cerebral palsy, infantile colic, nocturnal enuresis, and otitis media.2. It may be appropriate to treat musculoskeletal conditions including spinal mobility impairments associated with neck-back pain and neck pain with headache utilising:• Spinal mobilisation and manipulation on adolescents;• Spinal mobilisation on children; or• Thoracic manipulation on children for neck-back pain only.3. No high certainty evidence to recommend these interventions was available.Reports of mild to severe harms exist; however, risk rates could not be determined.

CONCLUSION

Specific directives to guide physiotherapists' clinical reasoning on the appropriate use of spinal manipulation or mobilisation were identified. Future research should focus on trials for priority conditions (neck-back pain) in children and adolescents, psychometric properties of key outcome measures, knowledge translation, and harms.

[Torticollis in children]

BACKGROUND

Torticollis is a common neck deformity in both newborn and older children. The various causes of the abnormal posturing of the head differ in severity, long-term consequences and their treatment.

METHODS

This article gives an overview of the differential diagnoses of torticollis in children and current literature, and provides insight into our diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm.

RESULTS

A distinction is drawn between congenital and acquired deformities and whether or not they are painful. Most commonly, children present with a congenital muscular torticollis, which has an estimated incidence of 0.3 to 1.9%. The main differential diagnosis of congenital muscular torticollis is Klippel-Feil syndrome. Acquired torticollis often has more severe causes and always needs a thorough diagnostic clarification.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge of possible causes and their treatment is essential to provide adequate care for affected children and their families and to prevent long-term consequences.