Sensory tricks in cervical dystonia correlate with enhanced brain activity during motor preparation.

INTRODUCTION: Although sensory tricks are well known as the maneuvers that temporarily relieve dystonic symptoms in patients with cervical dystonia (CD), the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate brain potentials related to sensory tricks in patients with CD. METHODS: Thirteen patients with CD and 13 age-matched healthy volunteers participated. The experiment consisted of three conditions (moving the neck, moving an arm, and performing sensory tricks) presented in different blocks in random order in a contingent negative variation (CNV) paradigm. Warning and trigger stimuli (S1 and S2) were presented to the participants, who were instructed to prepare to perform the specific task for each condition after S1, and then to perform the task after S2. Early and late components of the CNV were measured. RESULTS: The late CNVs in patients with CD were significantly larger than those in healthy participants in Fz, FCz, Cz, and C3 electrodes. Only in patients with CD, the late CNVs were significantly greater for the 'sensory tricks' condition compared to the 'move neck' condition in Fz and C3 electrodes. CONCLUSION: The late CNV is increased during sensory tricks in patients with CD, suggesting that sensory tricks may affect mechanisms related to the motor preparatory phase in the premotor and primary motor areas. Sensory tricks may normalize impaired motor preparation in dystonia, leading to improved dystonic symptoms.

Associations Between Congenital Muscular Torticollis Severity and Physical Therapy Episode.

PURPOSE: To determine how physical therapy utilization varies with Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) Severity Grading Scale, considering episode of care and clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: A 3-year retrospective medical record review was conducted. Data were collected for 81 infants receiving physical therapy for CMT. Sample and service characteristics are described; 46 complete records (infants 6 months or younger) were analyzed to determine how physical therapy utilization varied across severity grades. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Of the 46 infants with complete care episodes, half had fully resolved all asymmetries. Units billed, episode duration, and total visits each increased across CMT severity grades 1 to 3. Cervical rotation restrictions correlated with total units billed, indicating a positive relationship between CMT severity and service utilization. WHAT THIS ADDS TO THE EVIDENCE: This study supports that as CMT severity increases, physical therapy utilization increases for grades 1 to 3 of the 2018 CMT Severity Grading Scale.

Experiences of Parents of Infants Diagnosed With Mild or Severe Grades of Congenital Muscular Torticollis.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of parents of infants diagnosed with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). A secondary purpose was to compare the experiences of parents of infants with mild grades versus severe grades of involvement based on the CMT severity classification system. METHODS: Through semistructured interviews, a qualitative phenomenological approach of inquiry was used to investigate the lived experiences of 12 parents. RESULTS: Eight themes common to both groups of parents were identified. Findings indicated having an infant with CMT has a significant effect on the parents and other caregivers. Two themes were unique to parents of the infants with severe CMT. CONCLUSIONS: Parents are faced with a diagnosis that requires regular therapy visits and a challenging home program. A multimodal approach by clinicians for teaching and supporting parents during the episode of care may best address their unique challenges and stresses.

The effects of a laser-guided postural reeducation program on pain, neck active range of motion, and functional improvement in a 75-year-old patient with cervical dystonia.

Background and Purpose: Limited research exists regarding physical therapy management for patients with cervical dystonia (CD). The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical management of a patient with CD using manual techniques, cervical traction, and laser-guided postural reeducation. Case Description: The patient was a 75-year-old female with CD, diagnosed 40 years prior, with a 10-year history of botulinum neurotoxin injections. She reported a 1-year history of worsening neck pain and cervical range of motion loss which was significantly affecting her ability to sleep and drive. The patient was seen for 12 visits over a 6-week period. Outcomes: Discharge scores indicated marked improvements in active range of motion, neck disability index, and the CDIP-58 questionnaire. Improvement in motor control as measured during the SenMorCor™ Laser Functional Error Assessment was demonstrated in the motions of "looking right" (53%) and up (48%). Discussion: This case report indicates that a physical therapy program consisting of a daily laser-guided home program for head postural reeducation in conjunction with classic physical therapy techniques may be an option for patients with CD; however, further research is needed prior to adoption of these techniques as standard of care for patients with CD.

Pediatric Physical Therapists' Use of the Congenital Muscular Torticollis Clinical Practice Guidelines: A Qualitative Implementation Study.

PURPOSE: This study is a follow-up to the quantitative survey to examine the perceptions of pediatric physical therapists (PTs) on the application of the 2013 Congenital Muscular Torticollis Clinical Practice Guideline (CMT CPG). METHOD: Qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews were completed. Interview questions focused on how the guidelines influenced practice, facilitators and barriers to implementation, and knowledge translation activities. RESULTS: Thirteen pediatric PTs from a variety of practice settings participated. Positive perceptions about the CMT CPG included the use of flow charts, synthesized literature in one place, and validation of examination and intervention approaches. Negative perceptions included its length and that approaches without published evidence were not addressed. Three major themes were identified: knowledge and evidence for practice, education of clinicians, and the CPG structure and components that influenced practice. CONCLUSIONS: The CMT CPG provided a number of benefits. Recommendations for future enhancement and development are provided.

Results of minimally invasive bipolar tenotomy of congenital muscular torticollis / Resultados de tenotomia bipolar minimamente invasiva de tortícolis muscular congénita

BACKGROUND: Congenital muscular torticollis is the postural deformity of the head and of the neck. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the results of bipolar sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle tenotomy in children. METHODS: The present prospective study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery from December 2010 to December 2014. A total of 34 children with congenital muscular torticollis and a mean age of 4.8 years (range: 1­14 years) were recruited from the Outpatient Department. They were treated with bipolar SCM muscle release under general anesthesia. The functional and cosmetic results were rated on a scoring system modified from Lim et al (2014). All of the children were followed-up for 2 years. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, the neck range of movement and head tilt improved and their appearance were cosmetically improved despite the long-standing nature of the deformity. The results were excellent in 30 patients (88.23%) and good in 4 patients (11.76%). No postoperative complications were found in any of the 34 patients. CONCLUSION: Bipolar tenotomy of the SCM muscle is a good method for correcting difficult cases of congenital muscular torticollis. It is a safe, effective and complicationfree method for these patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La tortícolis muscular congénita es la deformidad postural de la cabeza y del cuello. El propósito de este estudio es evaluar los resultados de la tenotomía del músculo esternocleidomastoideo bipolar en niños. MÉTODOS: Este estudio prospectivo, se realizó en el departamento de Cirugía Ortopédica a partir de diciembre de 2010 a diciembre de 2014. Treinta y cuatro niños con tortícolis muscular congénita con una edad media de 4,8 años (rango: 1 a 14 años) fueron reclutados del ambulatorio. Fueron tratados con liberación de músculo esternocleidomustoide bipolar bajo anestesia general. Los resultados funcionales y cosméticos se evaluaron en un sistema de puntuación modificado de Lim y col (2014). Todos los niños recibieron acompañamiento durante dos años. RESULTADOS: En el acompañamiento final, el rango del cuello del movimiento, la inclinación y su apariencia fueron cosméticamente mejorados a pesar de la permanente naturaleza de la deformidad. Los resultados fueron excelentes en treinta pacientes (88,23%) y bueno en cuatro pacientes (11,76%).. No se encontraron complicaciones en el post-operatorio de esos 34 pacientes. CONCLUSIÓN: La tenotomía bipolar de los esternocleidomastoideos es un buen método para corregir los casos de tortícolis muscular congénita.. Para los pacientes, es un método seguro, efectivo y sin complicaciones.

Frequency-Specific Microcurrent for Treatment of Longstanding Congenital Muscular Torticollis.

PURPOSE: This case describes the first episode of care, using conservative treatment, massage, and frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM), for a 19-month-old boy with grade 8 left congenital muscular torticollis with fibrotic nodules. METHODS: Ten weeks of physical therapy provided stretching, strengthening, massage, and parent education, adding FSM in weeks 3 to 10 for this patient. RESULTS: Full passive cervical rotation and lateral flexion, 4/5 lateral cervical flexion strength, improved head tilt, and inability to palpate fibrotic nodules were achieved by week 8, with partial home program adherence. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Excellent outcomes were achieved with conservative care in a patient with poor prognosis and likelihood of surgical referral. Combining stretching, strengthening, massage, postural reeducation, and FSM resulted in full range and good strength in an exceptionally short time. The combination of massage and FSM, not previously reported, are tools that may be effective in congenital muscular torticollis treatment.

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.

Effects of elastic therapeutic taping on motor function in children with motor impairments: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The elastic therapeutic taping has been considered a promising resource for disabled children. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the evidence of the effects of elastic therapeutic taping on motor function in children with motor impairments. METHOD: Three independent evaluators conducted searches in electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, BIREME/BVS, Science Direct, SciELO, and PEDro). Clinical studies design, published until 2016, involving elastic therapeutic taping and children aged 0-12 years with motor impairments were included. The variables considered were the methodological aspects (study design, participants, outcome measurements, and experimental conditions); results presented in the studies, and also the methodological quality of studies. RESULTS: Final selection was composed by 12 manuscripts (five randomized controlled trials), published in the last 10 years. Among them, cerebral palsy (CP) was the most recurrent disorder (n = 7), followed by congenital muscular torticollis (n = 2) and brachial plexus palsy (n = 2). Positive results were associated with taping application: improvement in the upper limb function, gross motor skills, postural control, muscular balance, and performance in the dynamics functional and daily activities. LIMITATIONS: Lower quality of the studies, clinical and population heterogeneity existed across studies. CONCLUSIONS: The elastic therapeutic taping has been shown to be a promising adjunct resource to the conventional rehabilitation in children with motor impairments. However, high methodological studies about its efficacy in this population are already scarce. Implications for Rehabilitation Elastic therapeutic taping has been shown to be a promising adjunct resource to the conventional rehabilitation in disabled children. Clinical trials have indicated improvement in the postural control and functional activities with both, upper and lower limbs, and increase in the functional independency resulting from the taping use. Randomized control trials and well-established protocols are needed to increase the confidence in applying elastic therapeutic taping to specific clinical conditions.

Impairments of balance, stepping reactions and gait in people with cervical dystonia.

BACKGROUND: Impaired balance is common in neurological disorders. Cervical dystonia is a neurological movement disorder affecting the neck. The effect of this aberrant head posture on physical function is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To compare balance, mobility, gait and stepping reactions between ten people with cervical dystonia and ten control adults. METHODS: Spatiotemporal gait parameters and walking speed were assessed using a computerised walkway. Step length and time, time in double support and gait variability were calculated, then normalised to gait speed. Centre of pressure path length was assessed with eyes open and eyes closed to calculate a Romberg Quotient. Simple and choice reaction times were measured using customised apparatus while mobility was assessed by the timed up and go. Cervical spine range of motion was measured using a head mounted goniometer. Self-reported scales included Falls Self Efficacy Scale and Dystonia Discomfort Scale. RESULTS: There was a difference between groups for most outcome measures. The timed up-and-go and walking speed was slower (both P<0.005) and the Romberg Quotient lower (P=0.046) in cervical dystonia. People with cervical dystonia had lower falls self-efficacy (P=0.0002). Reduced cervical range of motion was correlated with balance, stepping reaction time and mobility (all P<0.05). Timed up and go was positively associated with stepping reaction time (P<0.01). Dystonia discomfort did not impact function. CONCLUSIONS: People with cervical dystonia displayed deficits in balance, gait and stepping reactions, and expressed higher fear of falling. Studies to further elucidate functional limitations and their impact on activity and participation in daily life are required.

Implementation of a Quality Improvement Initiative: Improved Congenital Muscular Torticollis Outcomes in a Large Hospital Setting.

BACKGROUND: The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) published a guideline for congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) in 2013. Our division adopted the guideline as the institutional practice standard and engaged in a quality improvement (QI) initiative to increase the percentage of patients who achieved resolution of CMT within 6 months of evaluation. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this report are to describe the QI activities conducted to improve patient outcomes and discuss the results and implications for other institutions and patient populations. DESIGN: This was a quality improvement study. METHODS: In alignment with the Chronic Care Model and Model of Improvement, an aim and operationally defined key outcome and process measures were established. Interventions were tested using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. A CMT registry was established to store and manage data extracted from the electronic record over the course of testing. Statistical process control charts were used to monitor progress over time. RESULTS: The QI initiative resulted in an increase in the percentage of patients who achieved full resolution of CMT within a 6-month episode of care from 42% to 61% over an 18-month period. Themes that emerged as key drivers of improvement included: (1) timely, optimal access to care, (2) effective audit and clinician feedback, and (3) accurate, timely documentation. LIMITATIONS: The initiative took place at a single institution with a supportive culture and strong QI resources, which may limit direct translation of interventions and findings to other institutions and patient populations. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement science methodologies provided the tools and structure to improve division-wide workflow and increase consistency in the implementation of the APTA CMT guideline. In doing so, significant CMT population outcome improvements were achieved.

Postsurgical Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis.

PURPOSE: To present 2 cases with severe congenital muscular torticollis and describe postsurgical physical therapy management. DESCRIPTION: Two children diagnosed with severe congenital muscular torticollis underwent surgical release of the involved sternocleidomastoid muscle with subsequent physical therapy. Presurgical examination findings, surgical technique, and postsurgical rehabilitation guidelines are described. RESULTS: Both cases achieved full range of motion and symmetrical muscle strength. Functionally, they were able to maintain consistent midline posture, perform transitions with symmetrical head righting, and demonstrate age-appropriate motor skills. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Children with surgical management of congenital muscular torticollis tend to have more severe involvement of the sternocleidomastoid. Prolonged experience in atypical postures may result in potential asymmetrical development of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems. Perception of midline was reestablished through integration of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive stimuli. VIDEO ABSTRACT: For more insights from the authors, access Supplemental Digital Content 1, at http://links.lww.com/PPT/A141.

Revisión del tratamiento rehabilitador en la distonía cervical: una puesta al día / Review of rehabilitation treatment for cervical dystonia: an update

Objetivo. El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una actualización sobre el tratamiento rehabilitador de la distonía cervical (DC), tanto de su eficacia como de las estrategias utilizadas. Búsqueda y selección de estudios. Se identificaron 21 estudios mediante la búsqueda en bases de datos electrónicas de los artículos científicos publicados tanto en inglés como en castellano entre enero de 2000 y febrero de 2016, con las palabras clave: distonía cervical, tratamiento, rehabilitación, fisioterapia, tortícolis espasmódica. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: ensayos clínicos con pacientes diagnosticados de DC en tratamiento rehabilitador y con una calidad metodológica aceptable según la escala de Jadad. Resultados y conclusiones. Se han seleccionado 5 estudios. En líneas generales se aconseja: ejercicios de relajación, estiramientos, reeducación motora, equilibrio, coordinación y propiocepción. Los ejercicios deben ser inicialmente tutelados y una vez aprendidos deben realizarse en sesiones cortas y frecuentes de autorrehabilitación con el objetivo de inducir neuroplasticidad. Parece claro que la asociación de un programa fisioterápico al tratamiento con toxina botulínica es beneficioso (AU)

Objective. The aim of this study was to provide an update on rehabilitation treatment for cervical dystonia (CD), in terms of both its effectiveness and the strategies used. Study search and selection strategy. A total of 21 studies were identified by a search in electronic database for scientific articles published in English or Spanish from January 2000 to February 2016, with the keywords: cervical dystonia, treatment, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and spasmodic torticollis. Inclusion criteria were: clinical trials of patients diagnosed with CD receiving rehabilitation treatment and with an adequate methodological quality according to the Jadad scale. Results and conclusions. Five studies were selected. In general, we recommend: relaxation exercises, stretching, motor re-education, balance, coordination and proprioception. The exercises should initially be supervised and, once learned, should be made in short and frequent self-rehabilitation sessions in order to induce neuroplasticity. It seems clear that the combination of a physiotherapeutic program and botulinum toxin treatment is beneficial (AU)

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 ±â€Š0.4 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 ±â€Š0.58 to 1.30 ±â€Š0.36 at the end of follow-up (P < 0.001), which reflected the decrease of muscle fibrosis. The Ratio I/U decreased from 1.11 ±â€Š0.04 to 0.97 ±â€Š0.02 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.

A randomized, single-blinded pilot study evaluating the effects of kinesiology taping and the tape application techniques in addition to therapeutic exercises in the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of kinesiology taping and different types of application techniques of kinesiology taping in addition to therapeutic exercises in the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis. DESIGN: Prospective, single blind, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: An outpatient rehabilitation clinic in a tertiary university hospital. SUBJECTS: Infants with congenital muscular torticollis aged 3-12 months. INTERVENTIONS: Group 1 included 11 infants who only received exercises, Group 2 included 12 infants who received kinesiology taping applied on the affected side by using inhibition technique in addition to exercises. Group 3 included 10 infants who additionally received kinesiology taping applied on the unaffected side by using facilitation technique and on the affected side by using inhibition technique. MAIN MEASURES: Range of motion in lateral flexion and rotation of the neck, muscle function and degree of craniofacial changes were assessed at pretreatment, post treatment and, 1 month and 3 months' post treatment. RESULTS: Friedman analysis of within-group changes over time revealed significant differences for all of the outcome variables in all groups except cervical rotation in Group 3 ( P<0.05). No significant differences were found between groups at any of the follow-up time points for any of the outcome variables ( P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is no any additive effect of kinesiology taping to exercises for the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis. Also different techniques of applying kinesiology taping resulted in similar clinical outcomes.

Comparison of 2 Dosages of Stretching Treatment in Infants with Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term efficacy of 2 dosages of stretching treatment on the clinical outcomes in infants with congenital muscular torticollis. DESIGN: This was a prospective randomized controlled study. Fifty infants with congenital muscular torticollis who were randomly assigned to 100-times stretching group and 50-times stretching group received stretching treatment for the affected sternocleidomastoid muscle. The outcomes including the head tilt, the cervical passive range of motion, and the muscle function of cervical lateral flexors determined by the muscle function scale were assessed at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. The sternocleidomastoid muscle growth analyzed by the thickness ratio of sternocleidomastoid muscles was measured using ultrasonography at baseline and 8 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Except the ratio of muscle function scale scores, the postintervention outcomes were all significantly improved in both groups compared with baseline (P < 0.05). The 100-times stretching group showed greater improvement compared with 50-times stretching group in head tilt and cervical passive range of motion at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Stretching treatment of 2 dosages may effectively improve head tilt, cervical passive range of motion, and sternocleidomastoid muscle growth in infants with congenital muscular torticollis. The stretching treatment of 100 times per day is likely to associate with greater improvement in head tilt and cervical passive range of motion.

Surgical management of congenital torticollis in children older than 7 years with an average 10-year follow-up.

The aim of the present study is to present the results of the surgical management of late presenting cases of congenital muscular torticollis. Between 1990 and 2010, 31 cases of late presenting congenital muscular torticollis were managed surgically in our department. Postoperatively, head halter traction was applied for 10 days; a cervical brace was applied for 5 weeks, followed by a soft one collar for 3 months. The final result was assessed on the basis of the criteria of Cheng and Tang. In total, 84% of patients achieved an excellent final result and 16% of the patients achieved a good result. Our results indicated that in children older than 7 years, surgical release combined with appropriate orthosis and a structured physiotherapy regime can lead to satisfactory results.

Transient Motor Asymmetry Among Infants With Congenital Torticollis-Description, Characterization, and Results of Follow-Up.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of transient functional motor asymmetry in infants with congenital postural torticollis. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of the medical records of infants with postural torticollis. We analyzed epidemiological, obstetric, perinatal data, physical therapy, physician assessments, and clinical follow-up for two years after diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 173 children, 44 (25.4%, 95% confidence interval = 19.5 to 32.4) demonstrated functional asymmetry. Demographic and obstetrical data did not differ between the asymmetry/nonasymmetry groups. Delayed motor development (P = 0.01) and plagiocephaly (P = 0.032) were more common in infants with motor asymmetry. No difference was observed in the frequency of referral for further neurological diagnosis between the group with functional asymmetry and that without asymmetry. Among the 44 patients with functional asymmetry, 78% depicted no evidence of torticollis by age two years, and the motor asymmetry had disappeared in 82%. CONCLUSION: Benign, transient functional motor asymmetry occurred in a quarter of infants with congenital postural torticollis. Transient motor delay was also significantly more common in the asymmetry group. In most instances, motor asymmetry and motor delay disappeared by age two years. Plagiocephaly was more common in the asymmetry group. Clinician awareness of this transient asymmetry may have avoided unnecessary diagnostic tests in these infants.

A randomized trial of specialized versus standard neck physiotherapy in cervical dystonia.

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal reports suggested that a specialized physiotherapy technique developed in France (the Bleton technique) improved primary cervical dystonia. We evaluated the technique in a randomized trial. METHODS: A parallel-group, single-blind, two-centre randomized trial compared the specialized outpatient physiotherapy programme given by trained physiotherapists up to once a week for 24 weeks with standard physiotherapy advice for neck problems. Randomization was by a central telephone service. The primary outcome was the change in the total Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating (TWSTR) scale, measured before any botulinum injections that were due, between baseline and 24 weeks evaluated by a clinician masked to treatment. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: 110 patients were randomized (55 in each group) with 24 week outcomes available for 84. Most (92%) were receiving botulinum toxin injections. Physiotherapy adherence was good. There was no difference between the groups in the change in TWSTR score over 24 weeks (mean adjusted difference 1.44 [95% CI -3.63, 6.51]) or 52 weeks (mean adjusted difference 2.47 [-2.72, 7.65]) nor in any of the secondary outcome measures (Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile-58, clinician and patient-rated global impression of change, mean botulinum toxin dose). Both groups showed large sustained improvements compared to baseline in the TWSTR, most of which occurred in the first four weeks. There were no major adverse events. Subgroup analysis suggested a centre effect. CONCLUSION: There was no statistically or clinically significant benefit from the specialized physiotherapy compared to standard neck physiotherapy advice but further trials are warranted.

A Clinical Comparative Study of Ultrasound-Normal Versus Ultrasound-Abnormal Congenital Muscular Torticollis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features and outcome of outpatient-based physiotherapy (manual stretch) of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) with passive neck motion limitation (≥ 10°) according to whether the finding on ultrasonography (US) is normal or abnormal. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Institutional practice. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 149 patients with CMT who met eligibility criteria were included: age at presentation ≤ 6 months, limitation of passive neck rotation (ΔROT) or lateral flexion (ΔLAT) ≥ 10°, and completion of our outpatient-based physiotherapy program. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were allocated to the US-normal or US-abnormal group. Patients underwent physiotherapy and were followed-up monthly until ΔROT and ΔLAT were ≤ 5° or did not respond to treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Baseline characteristics, initial ΔROT and ΔLAT, age at presentation, treatment durations, and success rates of physiotherapy were compared between 2 groups. Treatment duration was adjusted for initial ΔROT, ΔLAT, and age at presentation using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Mean initial ΔROT and ΔLAT in US-abnormal (28.5°; 17.0°) were greater than in US-normal (7.9°, P < .001; 12.3°, P = .001, respectively). Mean age at presentation was older in US-normal (3.8 months) than in US-abnormal (1.8 months, P < .001). Treatment duration was shorter in the US-normal (5.1 weeks) than US-abnormal (14.9 weeks, P < .001). Adjusted treatment duration was also shorter in US-normal (9.7 weeks) than US-abnormal (13.8 weeks, P < .05). The success rates of physiotherapy were 95% in US-abnormal and 100% in US-normal. Two of 6 treatment failures in the US-abnormal group underwent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In CMT with passive neck motion limitation (≥ 10°), patients in the US-normal group demonstrated lesser passive neck motion limitation and older age at presentation than US-abnormal. It seems that US-normal showed shorter treatment duration irrespective of severity of neck motion limitation and age at presentation. Additionally, manual stretching applied before 6 months of age appears to show generally good outcome regardless of US findings.