Relationship Between Torticollis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder in Infants.

PURPOSE: Although pediatric physical therapists may evaluate and treat infants with both congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), a literature review found only 1 article suggesting a connection between these diagnoses. This study investigates a correlation between CMT and GERD.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review spanning 5 years including 2519 infants younger than 12 months examined the correlation between CMT, GERD, and other comorbidities including developmental dysplasia of the hip, oligohydramnios, multiparity, and breech positioning.

RESULTS: The CMT cohort had a significantly higher rate of GERD versus the general population. For all age groups, the GERD rate was significantly higher in the CMT population than in the reference population. The rate of developmental dysplasia of the hip, oligohydramnios, and breech positioning was higher in infants with both CMT and GERD.

CONCLUSIONS: The increased likelihood of infants with CMT also having GERD has clinical implications for the pediatric physical therapist.