Relationship Between Torticollis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder in Infants

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Infants With Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Prospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Clinical experience suggests that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs commonly in infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). However, this is an understudied topic and prospective studies are absent. We determine the prevalence of GERD in infants with CMT, comparing clinical characteristics between CMT infants with and without GERD, and identifying infants with potentially undiagnosed GERD.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 155 infants with CMT younger than 12 months with and without GERD was evaluated by pediatric physical therapists.

RESULTS

GERD prevalence was 30.3%, including 6 (3.9%) infants with undiagnosed GERD. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in CMT infants with and without GERD.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first prospective cohort study determining the prevalence of GERD in infants referred for evaluation of CMT. Further prospective studies are needed to determine whether early intervention and treatment of GERD improves outcomes in infants with CMT (see Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A369).

The feasibility of ultrasound Graf method in screening infants and young children with congenital hip dysplasia and follow-up of treatment effect

BACKGROUND

Congenital hip dysplasia is a common limb deformity in infants and young children. This study aimed to clarify the feasibility of ultrasound Graf method in screening congenital hip dysplasia of infants and young children, and its application value in follow-up treatment.

METHODS

A total of 1,313 infants and young children with clinically suspected congenital hip dysplasia in our hospital from December 2016 to January 2018 were selected as the participants and were examined by ultrasound Graf method. The acetabulum shape and the measured values of α and β angles of the participants were observed. The development of the hip joint and distribution of congenital hip dysplasia were analyzed, and the treatment effect was followed up.

RESULTS

Among 1,313 infants and young children with suspected congenital hip dysplasia, the positive rate of congenital hip dysplasia was 6.02% (79/1,313). The lesions were located on both sides in 14 cases, on the left side in 67 cases, and on the right side in 26 cases. The α angle of cases with congenital hip dysplasia was significantly lower than that of normal cases, and the β angle was significantly higher than that of normal cases (P<0.05). Ultrasound follow-up results showed that out of 24 cases who underwent hip abduction exercises, 22 (91.67%) returned to normal, and the remaining 2 returned to normal after Pavlik sling treatment. Among 46 cases treated with Pavlik sling, 42 (91.30%) returned to normal, and the remaining 4 cases returned to normal after closed reduction and plaster fixation. A total of 9 participants underwent plaster fixation after closed reduction, all of which returned to normal.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound Graf method can be used as the first choice for screening infants and young children with congenital hip dysplasia. It can be followed up to observe the clinical treatment effect, and it has high clinical application value.