The AAO Journal, 2024/06, 34(2):9-10. doi: 10.53702/i2375-5717-34.2.7, type of study: ,cr,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Full text    (https://meridian.allenpress.com/aaoj/article/34/2/7/500955/LBORC-NUFA-Poster-Abstracts-2024-Clinician-amp)

Keywords:

case report [736]
craniosynostosis [4]
cranium [85]
head shape [1]
infants [211]
OMT [3925]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]
pediatrics [573]

Abstract:

Introduction/Background: Head shape abnormalities are common in infants as their cranial sutures are open and mobile, however, 1 in every 2100-2500 infants are born with craniosynostosis, risking impaired brain development due to the premature fusion of the sutures. Early intervention is crucial in infants with craniosynostosis to allow for brain growth and proper development, many requiring multidisciplinary approaches. Case: This case discusses a 1-year-old male who presented to the Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) clinic with a history of left unicoronal craniosynostosis and a recommendation from neurosurgery for surgical intervention of the craniosynostosis prior to 24 months old. The patient was meeting all pediatric milestones, however, facial asymmetry including R frontal bossing, L orbit compression, and L temporal flattening, was noted along with the patient’s mother reporting that he would often hit the right side of his head. Patient was treated for the next year with OMT, including Osteopathic Cranial Manipulative Medicine and Balanced Ligamentous Tension. Results: Patient continues to meet developmental milestones, with improving facial asymmetry, and within three months of OMT, decreased hitting of the right side of his head with his hand. Discussion: This 1 year old male with left unicoronal craniosynostosis had improvement in overall head shape, facial asymmetry, and changes in behavior within the year of treatment with OMT. While this case study focuses on one patient, these results demonstrate how OMT can have a role in the treatment of craniosynostosis in patients where non-surgical treatments are preferred. Though there has been limited research into the use of OMT in patients with craniosynostosis, there is potential for further research of OMT as a nonsurgical approach to craniosynostosis or alongside surgical treatment for craniosynostosis.