Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A 2018 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline From the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy

BACKGROUND

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a postural deformity evident shortly after birth, typically characterized by lateral flexion/side bending of the head to one side and cervical rotation/head turning to the opposite side due to unilateral shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle; it may be accompanied by other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions. Infants with CMT should be referred to physical therapists to treat these postural asymmetries as soon as they are identified.

PURPOSE

This update of the 2013 CMT clinical practice guideline (CPG) informs clinicians and families as to whom to monitor, treat, and/or refer and when and what to treat. It links 17 action statements with explicit levels of critically appraised evidence and expert opinion with recommendations on implementation of the CMT CPG into practice.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

The CPG addresses the following: education for prevention; referral; screening; examination and evaluation; prognosis; first-choice and supplemental interventions; consultation; discontinuation from direct intervention; reassessment and discharge; implementation and compliance audits; and research recommendations. Flow sheets for referral paths and classification of CMT severity have been updated.

Longitudinal follow-up of muscle echotexture in infants with congenital muscular torticollis

Unilateral fibrous contracture of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is the major pathophysiology in infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). Physical examination is not always sufficient to detect minimal muscle fibrosis in involved SCM muscles.A prospective study for SCM muscle fibrosis in CMT infants by quantifying echotexture and muscle thickness during the course of treatment is highlighted in the study.Convenience samples of 21 female and 29 male infants with CMT, who were 1 to 12 months old, underwent physiotherapy for at least 3 months and were followed for 4.7 ± 0.4 months. All infants had at least 2 clinical assessments and ultrasonographic examinations for bilateral SCM muscles during follow-up. The K value, derived from the difference in echo intensities between the involved and uninvolved SCM muscles on longitudinal sonograms, was used to represent the severity of muscle fibrosis. Bilateral SCM muscle thickness and ratio of involved to uninvolved muscle thickness (Ratio I/U) were obtained simultaneously. Clinical outcome was also recorded.No subjects underwent surgical intervention during follow-up. The K value decreased from 6.85 ± 0.58 to 1.30 ± 0.36 at the end of follow-up (P < 0.001), which reflected the decrease of muscle fibrosis. The Ratio I/U decreased from 1.11 ± 0.04 to 0.97 ± 0.02 during treatment, which was possibly related to the increased uninvolved SCM muscle thickness.In conclusion, echotexture is an efficient indicator for reflecting a wide degree of muscle fibrosis in infants with CMT and is informative during the treatment course.

Early rehabilitation treatment in newborns with congenital muscular torticollis

BACKGROUND

Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) is the most common form of torticollis in infants; on clinical presentation it is classified into 3 types: 1) postural torticollis, with postural deformity only in the neck; 2) muscular torticollis, where neck deformity is associated with muscle tightness and restricted passive range of motion (ROM); and 3) sternomastoid tumor or pseudotumor, with a fibrotic, sternocleido-mastoid muscle mass and passive ROM limitations.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical therapy outcome of infants with CMT treated either by parents using a home exercise program, or by a physical therapist.

DESIGN

Longitudinal study.

SETTING

Outpatients with CMT at our Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

POPULATION

Fifty consecutive newborns with CMT, referred by the primary pediatrician:

METHODS

In our study, 50 infants with CMT were evaluated and treated either by a physical therapist or by parents using a home program.

RESULTS

Sixteen females (32%) and 34 males (68%), aged 10.2 weeks (SD 6.66); 23 of the infants (46%) presented with more severe articular limitations than the others (P=0.002) and were therefore prescribed outpatient treatment by a physical therapist; the remaining 27 less severe cases (54%) were prescribed a home therapy program. 49 infants achieved full resolution after an average of 81.06 days (SD 64.05) of rehabilitation treatment. The group of patients who were treated at home achieved resolution more quickly (72.8 vs. 91.1 days), although statistical significance was not reached.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants with CMT who were treated early, either at home or in the outpatient clinic, completely recovered normal neck movement in a short time. It is important not to discharge patients until they have achieved full resolution of CMT symptoms to exclude the minimal risk of relapse.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

This study demonstrates the importance of early treatment in cases of congenital muscular torticollis.

Immediate effect of scapular repositioning with active cervical rotation in acute spasmodic torticollis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the immediate effects on pain and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of a scapular repositioning technique in patients with acute spasmodic torticollis.

METHODS

A randomized, single blind pilot study was conducted. The subjects were 23 individuals (age 20-40 years) with a clinical diagnosis of spasmodic torticollis. Visual analog scale pain score, cervical active ranges of motion, and PPT were assessed before and after the intervention. The comparison group was treated with only conventional physiotherapy (microwave diathermy, submaximal isometrics, and ergonomic advice). The intervention group was given scapular repositioning with active cervical rotation technique, in addition to conventional physiotherapy treatment.

RESULTS

There were significant improvements in intensity of pain (P < .01), cervical rotation to the ipsilateral side (P < .01), cervical side flexion to the contralateral side (P < .01), and PPT (P < .01) immediately after the treatment of the scapular repositioning and conventional therapy compared with the conventional therapy alone.

CONCLUSION

The present pilot study demonstrated that scapular repositioning may have an immediate hypoalgesic effect on individuals with spasmodic torticollis in terms of pain severity, PPT, and cervical range of motion. Therefore, further controlled trials are warranted.

Craniocervical Dystonia Questionnaire (CDQ-24): validation and cross-cultural adaptation in Serbian patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validation of the translated and culturally adapted CDQ-24 questionnaire on a group of Serbian patients. The study was comprised of 100 consecutive patients with idiopathic cervical dystonia (CD) and blepharospasm (BSP) who were evaluated at the Institute of Neurology, Clinical Centre of Serbia in Belgrade between March and June 2007. The linguistic validation of CDQ-24 involved 3 steps, according to an internationally accepted methodology. Most of the patients with CD and BSP accepted the CDQ-24 questionnaire. The internal consistency reliability ranged from 0.81 to 0.97. The mean total score of the CDQ-24 was 35.6 +/- 23.5. Patients with BSP had better HRQoL scores in the Pain subscale (p = 0.025) compared with CD patients. However, patients with CD had better HRQoL sores in the Activities of Daily Living subscale (p = 0.028) compared with BSP patients. Statistically significant positive correlations were registered between the Dystonia Movement Scale score and almost all CDQ-24 scales. The Serbian version of CDQ-24 should be recommended for HRQoL evaluation among patients with CD and BSP as an important outcome measure.

Torticollis and plagiocephaly in infancy: Therapeutic strategies

BACKGROUND

Asymmetry in infancy is a diagnosis with a large spectrum of features, expressing an abnormal shape of parts of the body or unequal postures and movements, which might be structural and/or functional, with localized or generalized expression.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study is to highlight different therapeutic aspects of the most occurring asymmetries in infancy: congenital muscular torticollis, positional torticollis and plagiocephaly, based on best evidence in current literature.

RESULTS

A flow chart is presented showing different pathways in therapeutic strategies, such as physical therapy, orthotic devices (helmet treatment and Dynamic Orthotic Cranioplasty) and surgery.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that there are different views towards management on torticollis and plagiocephaly. A systematic therapeutic management to evaluate these asymmetries is indicated. The presented therapeutic flow chart might serve as a basis in order to achieve uniformity in therapeutic thinking and performance.

Botulinum toxin and neuromotor rehabilitation: An integrated approach to idiopathic cervical dystonia

Currently, the best treatment option for idiopathic cervical dystonia (ICD) is injection of botulinum toxin (BTX) into the affected muscles, whereas rehabilitative approaches have given disappointing results. We evaluated whether the association of an ad hoc rehabilitative program may improve the clinical efficacy of BTX treatment in a single-center, cross-over, controlled study. Forty patients with ICD were randomly assigned to two different treatment groups: (1) BTX type A (BTX-A) plus a specific program of physical therapy (BTX-PT) or (2) BTX-A alone (BTX-0). Patients in the BTX-PT group showed a longer duration of the clinical benefit (118.8 vs. 99.1 days) and needed a lower dose of BTX at reinjection (284.5 vs. 325.5 units). In addition, they showed more marked reductions in their disability in activities of daily living (-9.7 vs. -4.85 points) and subjective pain (-13.35 vs. 6.95 points) scores. Association of BTX-A therapy with a specific program of physical therapy may improve ICD treatment outcome.

Physiotherapy cuts the dose of botulinum toxin

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cervical dystonia is a complex chronic neurological disorder which is more commonly managed with pharmacological interventions.

METHOD

This Case Report outlines the rehabilitation of a patient who was able to reduce the effective dose of botulinum toxin when physiotherapy management was added to a long- term pharmacological regime.

CONCLUSIONS

A good outcome is demonstrated from a combined physiotherapy and botulinum toxin intervention.

Phenol block for cervical dystonia: effects and side effects

OBJECTIVE

To report on the effectiveness and side effects of 2% phenol block in patients with cervical dystonia (CD).

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

A rehabilitation department at a university medical center in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixteen patients (11 men, 5 women; mean age +/- standard deviation, 43.4+/-11.2y) with CD. The cause of the CD was unknown, and all cases were refractory to the oral medication and rehabilitation therapy.

INTERVENTION

Two percent phenol blocks guided by electromyography.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A blind analysis by neurologists of the Tsui score before and after 2 weeks of treatment with phenol block. Side effects were evaluated by another neurologist and patient report.

RESULTS

There was significant (P=.0002) improvement in neck movement and position, based on a reduced Tsui score, after the phenol block. However, 4 patients had a complication of sensory disturbance of the transverse cutaneous nerve of the neck area. The sensory disturbances decreased gradually and disappeared within 3 months, whereas the effects of the phenol block continued.

CONCLUSIONS

Phenol block can reduce the impact of CD that is refractory to therapy.

The effect of two different rehabilitation treatments in cervical dystonia: preliminary results in four patients

The most widespread approach to rehabilitation of cervical dystonia is electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback. However, consensus is lacking regarding the true effectiveness of this technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate how cervical dystonia was influenced by two rehabilitative treatments, namely a standard biofeedback program and a novel physiotherapy program consisting of postural reeducation exercises and passive elongation of myofascial cervical structures. Both programs were consecutively administered to 4 patients with cervical dystonia. The study design was a behavioral analysis of single cases. The main outcome measures were a head realignment test, a disability questionnaire and a pain visual analogue scale (VAS). Each patient's performance was evaluated before the study and after the first and second program. Furthermore, the disability questionnaire and the pain VAS were administered 3, 6, and 9 months after the end of the treatments. The physiotherapy program showed therapeutic effects comparable to those of EMG biofeedback. Reductions of disability and of pain were still present 3-9 months after the end of the treatments. These preliminary results suggest that the physiotherapy program proposed in the present study may be a promising method for rehabilitation of cervical dystonia.

Unilateral pallidal stimulation in cervical dystonia

Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis) is a focal dystonia of the cervical region. Various treatment modalities have been performed with variable success rates. We present a 42-year-old woman complaining of involuntary head rotation for the last 3 years. Different medical treatments had been used for 3 years. Botulinum toxin injections resulted in temporary and moderate improvement for periods of 3-4 months. Pallidal stimulation was performed using a quadripolar electrode and a battery-operated programmable pulse generator. We conclude that a unilateral pallidal lesion or stimulation is an effective method of treatment in focal dystonia. The target must be the pallidum contralateral to the contracted sternocloidomastoid muscle. Deep brain stimulation is superior to lesioning because of the capability of manipulating the stimulation parameters which can modify the pallidotomy effect.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation and silent period in spasmodic torticollis

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to study the corticobulbar projections to neck muscles in cervical dystonia.

DESIGN

We compared both the motor evoked potentials and the electromyographic silent period after transcranial magnetic stimulation from sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles in a group of 13 patients with spasmodic torticollis with those of 20 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

With the target muscle at rest, no changes of motor threshold, motor evoked potentials latency, and amplitude were observed in dystonic patients. With facilitation, the mean amplitude of the motor evoked potentials was increased in patients compared with controls, the significant difference being for the trapezius muscle, whereas the latency did not differ between groups. The cortical silent period was significantly shorter in dystonic patients than in healthy subjects in both muscles. The duration of the cortical silent period recorded from the sternocleidomastoid muscle showed a positive correlation with the degree of neurologic disability assessed by Tsui's scale. No abnormalities of both nerve conduction velocity and peripheral silent period by stimulation of accessory nerve were found.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate an impairment of the mechanisms of inhibitory motor control in patients with spasmodic torticollis, which could be the result of a decrease of the basal ganglia inhibitory output over the motor cortex.

New surgical technique for the correction of congenital muscular torticollis (wry neck)

Congenital muscular torticollis (wry neck) results from shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and may lead to limitation of neck movement and craniofacial deformity. If conservative treatment is started early, with a regimen of passive stretching exercises and active strengthening of the contralateral muscle, about 95% of patients achieve an acceptable range of neck movement. The surgical management of patients who do not respond to physiotherapy remains controversial. Its aim is to provide a long-term, cosmetic restoration of neck mobility while minimizing the development of craniofacial deformity and upper cervical scoliosis; few previously advocated techniques achieve both these goals. We describe a technique that combines subperiosteal lengthening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle at its mastoid insertion, and division of lower fibrotic bands with minimal postoperative fibrosis. As the sternomastoid muscle is reattached lower down on the mastoid process, the lengthening of the muscle is stable, because the tendency to fibrosis and shortening is minimized. Comparison of the results with previous series shows that this technique provides immediate benefit and good long-term results.

Factors that ameliorate or aggravate spasmodic torticollis

A sample of 72 patients with adult onset torticollis were asked to complete a checklist to indicate how a list of situations and activities affected the severity of their torticollis. Stress and self consciousness were reported as aggravating factors by more than 80% of the sample, whereas walking, fatigue, and carrying objects were noted as exacerbators by over 70% of the patients. For more than 40% of the sample, torticollis improved in the supine position, by relaxation, sleep, and lying on the side. However, the last four factors also worsened the head deviation in 16% to 25% of the patients. Use of a "geste antagoniste" to maintain the head in the body midline, was reported by 64 (88.9%) of the patients, which was still effective in correcting head position in 47%. The sensitivity of torticollis to social and emotional factors can be best explained in terms of a possible link between extrapyramidal and affective disorders through overlapping changes in catecholamine metabolism. The worsening of torticollis with peripheral motor activity (walking, running, writing) or its improvement with changes in body posture or with the geste antagoniste is best viewed in terms of alterations of peripheral proprioceptive feedback or central corollary discharge provoked by the motor output or command.

Sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy: two cases of an interesting entity

Sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy (SCMTI), also known as fibromatosis colli or muscular torticollis, is the most common cause of congenital torticollis. It is present in approximately 0.4% of live births, and usually 90% of patients will have a good prognosis if therapy is initiated and continued for the appropriate period of time. This paper presents two cases of SCMTI and explains the diagnostic modalities and treatment options for this entity. SCMTI should be diagnosed early in the infant's life, since early detection and initiation of conservative treatment leads to resolution of the disease in the majority of patients.

Spinal cord stimulation: a quarter century of development and investigation. A review of its development and effectiveness in 1,336 cases

The past two and a half decades have seen the development of a spinal cord stimulator from the early 2-electrode fixed system to the present multielectrode computerized systems. During these 25 years, spinal cord stimulation has been studied in the treatment of motor disorders. The effectiveness was studied in 1,336 cases, including cerebral palsy (456), dystonia (173), torticollis (90), multiple sclerosis (130), spinocerebellar degeneration (71), spinal cord injury (303) and posttraumatic brain injury (113). It has become increasingly evident that the maximum therapeutic effect is achieved by virtue of the applied field variables of the spinal cord level stimulated, the field configuration, its polarity, and the frequency of the stimulation. These observations have led to investigational corollaries of the therapeutic specificity of the applied field, the neurophysiologic mechanisms of these fields and the underlying abnormal neurophysiologic substrate, which may indeed be secondary to abnormalities in the nerve impulse itself.

Torticollis: a long-term follow-up study

To achieve better guidelines for the future management of torticollis, this study analyzed surgical and nonsurgical management of 253 torticollis patients who were treated in this hospital from 1971 to 1993. Of those, 37 cases received operation only, 78 cases were operated after failed physical therapy, and 138 cases were treated only at the Rehabilitation Department. If free neck movement was considered to be the primary goal of treatment, most parents were satisfied with the results. However, if facial and skull deformities were the serious sequelae of torticollis, then only less than half of the surgical and nonsurgical groups of patients were graded as normal. Further, 10.9% of physical therapy group and 7% of the surgical patients need further operation to release the fibrotic bundle which limited their neck movement. Therefore, it is suggested that torticollis treatment should include early interventions such as adjusting sleep position, careful planning of physical therapy and/or operation and a long term follow-up period as essential for better management of torticollis.

Multi-adjustable post-operative orthosis for congenital muscular torticollis

A multi-adjustable torticollis orthosis is described for the post-operative bracing of patients after surgical correction of congenital muscular torticollis. The orthosis can be put on in the early post-operative period and the head and neck position can be maintained in the corrected, and later over-corrected position by the built-in multi-adjustable joint-mechanism. The details of the manufacturing are described. Twenty-five patients (13 girls and 12 boys) from age 1 to 22 with congenital muscular torticollis were fitted with the orthosis post-operatively for an average duration of 10 weeks. Satisfactory compliance with the orthosis was found in 23 cases. Complications were minimal (3 cases) and were related to scalp irritation which improved after minor adjustments of the halo.

VOJTA neurophysiologic therapy

The reflexlocomotion acc. to VOJTA is a neurophysiologic facilitation system for the whole CNS and neuromuscular apparatus. It consists of all components, in a reciprocal manner of locomotion: (i) automatic control of posture, (ii) uprighting, (iii) aimed movements. Consequently the indications for this type of kinesiologic facilitation are really extensive. In this article the following complete list of indications is described: CCD (central coordination disorder), CP (cerebral palsy), peripheral paresis, Spina bifida (MMC), Myopathies, congenital malformations, orthopaedic problems, traumatic cross sections, neuromuscular dysfunctions etc. Further the experiences of the treatment in each disease are discussed. Even EMG-detections have shown the effect of the therapy in peripheral and central damage. Therefore a good prognosis for improvement and rehabilitation can be given in a large number of disorders, irrespective of age.

Congenital muscular torticollis: results of conservative management with long-term follow-up in 85 cases

A retrospective review of 277 patients with congenital muscular torticollis seen between 1970 and 1982 was conducted. In 85 cases this was supplemented by questionnaires and recent photographs, permitting a two- to 13-year follow-up. The first visit for 81.6% of patients was before six months of age. All were enrolled in a specific physical therapy program at the time of the first visit, unless they presented with severe torticollis after 12 months of age. Torticollis was mild to moderately severe in 90.6% of cases. Sternomastoid fibrotic nodules were present in 38.6%, more frequently in the more severe cases. Hip dysplasia increased in direct relation to severity and occurred in 10.5% of cases. At 12 months the torticollis had been conservatively resolved in nearly 70% of patients regardless of severity and presence or absence of focal fibrosis. Tenotomies were indicated in only ten children, eight of whom had first been seen after 12 months of age. Long-term sequelae were mild and consisted of craniofacial asymmetry, intermittent head tilt, and mild scoliosis. Developmental asymmetry or high tone due to limited mobility in the cervical spine were noted in 25.3% of infants initially and tended to subside with appropriate therapy. However, 11.8% of patients with long-term follow-up showed persistent functional asymmetry of the involved body side despite mild or moderate severity, early diagnosis, and complete resolution of the torticollis. Long-term observations indicate that congenital torticollis rarely requires surgical treatment.

[Hematoma of the sternocleidomastoid. Results of a non-invasive treatment in newborn infants]

Nine infants with haematoma of the SCM muscle were evaluated. A review of previous reports and a comparison of the clinical features of this group of patients to ones considered in other reports is reported and a simple therapeutic program is outlined: during the first year of life, postures and simple exercises performed by the mother under the pediatrician's supervision are suggested. In the eight cases in which the therapeutic program was followed, the long-term outcome was satisfactory from both cosmetic and functional point of view. Therefore this method should be preferred during the first year of life, also taking into account the lack of negative influence on the mother-infant relationship and on the infant's neurological development.