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.


OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
van Vlimmeren
L A
LA
Bernhoven Hospital, Veghel, The Netherlands.
Helders
P J M
PJ
van Adrichem
L N A
LN
Engelbert
R H H
RH
D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006257:Head / Q000002:abnormalities; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009333:Neck / Q000002:abnormalities; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D049068:Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014103:Torticollis / Q000534:rehabilitation*