Progressive infantile scoliosis managed with osteopathic manipulative treatment

Abstract

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis is a compensatory result of cranial and sacral intraosseous dysfunction associated with asymmetric developmental deformation of the occiput, leading to dysfunction of the sphenobasilar synchondrosis. A female infant with progressive infantile idiopathic scoliosis diagnosed at age 12 months (46.9° left scoliotic curve) initially received standard orthopedic care, including casting. The patient presented for osteopathic evaluation at age 14 months, at which time her scoliotic curve was 52°. The patient wore a Risser cast extending from T1-L5 at her first osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) visit, which included osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine. Her parents chose to have the cast removed at age 17 months, with a 23° curve remaining. For approximately 12 months, OMT was the only continued, consistent treatment, which occurred once per month. By 28 months of age, radiographs measured 0° of scoliosis. This case demonstrates that OMT can dramatically improve infantile idiopathic scoliosis and prevent its progression.