Improvement in a Pediatric Patient with Craniosynostosis Undergoing Chiropractic Care

Joel Alcantara, BSc, D.C.1 Julie Doucet, D.C.2

1. Research Director, International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Media, PA and Private Practice of Chiropractic, San Jose, CA, USA
2. Private Practice of Chiropractic, St-Felicien, QC, Canada

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Abstract

Objective: To describe the chiropractic care of a pediatric patient with medically-diagnosed craniosynostosis.

Clinical Features: A 3-week-old girl with craniosynostosis was presented by her mother for chiropractic care. The patient’s birth history was uneventful consisting of a short labor without the need for labor induction, the use of forceps or epidural anesthesia. At birth, her APGAR score was 9, 10 and 10 at one, five and ten minutes. Visual examination revealed the patient’s head to be round and symmetric. Digital palpation revealed the posterior fontanelle as fused and the anterior fontanelle as small and diamond-shaped with a slight bulging that measured approximately 1 cm in diameter.

Segmental dysfunctions were detected at the C1, T5, L3 and S2 spinal segments. The right temporomandibular joint was also subluxated along with right frontal/parietal and left parietal/occipital cranial distortions.

Interventions and Outcomes: The patient was cared for with contact specific, gentle high velocity, low-amplitude type thrust to sites of spinal subluxations along with craniosacral therapy. Following 6 visits, the patient’s cranial diameter measured 39.2 cm compared to 34.5cm at birth with the anterior fontanelle remaining open. Long term follow up revealed the patient’s cranial development progressing without the need for surgery.

Conclusion: This case report provides documentation on the supportive care of chiropractic in patients with craniosynostosis.

Key Words: Chiropractic, spinal manipulative therapy, adjustment, vertebral subluxation, Craniosynostosis, pediatric