Breech Birth Presentation and Intrauterine Constraint Factors and Their Association With Congenital Muscular Torticollis Severity.

PURPOSE: Intrauterine constraint factors such as multiparity and breech presentation at birth have been associated with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). The literature lacks evidence linking these factors to CMT severity. The purpose of this study is to determine how birth weight, length, presentation, sex, and delivery factors associate with CMT severity. A secondary purpose is to correlate severity with CMT direction and age at physical therapy evaluation.

METHODS

Researchers relied on a clinical outcome database of 1239 infants ≤6 months diagnosed with CMT to examine how birth weight, length, breech positioning, sex, multiparity, and delivery method relate to CMT severity.

RESULTS

Breech presentation was the only factor associated with torticollis severity. Infants with >30° of cervical tightness were more likely to be younger at evaluation and have a right torticollis.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased likelihood of CMT severity with breech presentation at birth can guide pediatric physical therapists in prognostics.