Abstract
Summary Objective This article addresses the key questions facing a manual physician when presented with an infant with manifestations of plagiocephaly. The issues highlighted include an evidence-based approach to: long-term health and developmental implications secondary to plagiocephaly; the scope of safe and effective conservative management, including manual therapy; various outcome measures; prognosis; and alternative treatment modalities. Design An evidence-based case report. Setting A chiropractic clinic in the United Kingdom. Subject A 15-week-old male presenting with overt manifestations of plagiocephaly. Methods A systematic database search and critical review of best evidence to answer typical clinical questions that might arise in everyday practice. Results Several systematic reviews, clinical guideline reports, and cohort studies were returned from a systematic database search. Critical review of these articles generated a simple but effective evidence-based approach to the chiropractic management of infantile plagiocephaly. The literature provides the best evidence to consider the aim and scope of treatment. A photographic method of assessment is suggested for baseline recording and as an outcome measure, with a structured approach on when, why and how to refer to an alternative medical provider if chiropractic management proves unsuccessful. Conclusions A simple guideline approach to safe and effective chiropractic management of an infant with plagiocephaly was established, based upon the best available evidence from the literature in conjunction with the paediatric training available to a chiropractor.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call