Last reviewed: 23 Jun 2024
Last updated: 07 Apr 2022
Summary
Definition
History and exam
Other diagnostic factors
- twin birth
- unnvaried supine sleep and resting position
- decreased prone awake time
- head tilt
- head rotated with decreased active rotation to affected side
- decreased head righting to contralateral side
- sternocleidomastoid mass
- ipsilateral shoulder elevation
- plagiocephaly/craniofacial asymmetry
- hypertropia on contralateral side
- hip click or asymmetry
Full details
Risk factors
- plagiocephaly
- breech delivery
- cesarean section delivery
- twin A (lower in utero)
- complicated deliveries (forceps or vacuum)
- birth trauma
Full details
Diagnostic tests
1st tests to order
- cervical spine x-ray
- pelvic x-ray
- hip ultrasound
Full details
Tests to consider
- neck ultrasound
- skull x-ray
- cervical/cranial MRI
Full details
Treatment algorithm
ONGOING
inadequate head control or age <5 months
good head control and age >5 months
Contributors
Authors
Joyce L. Oleszek, MD
![Joyce L. Oleszek](/api/image/759/en-us/normal/759-auth-1_default.jpg)
Associate Professor
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
University of Colorado School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital Colorado
Aurora
CO
Disclosures
JLO is co-author of one of the references cited in this topic.
Peer reviewers
Elizabeth A. Moberg-Wolff, MD
Associate Professor
Program Director
Tone Management and Mobility
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
Milwaukee
WI
Disclosures
EAMW declares that she has no competing interests.
Differentials
- Superior oblique palsy
- Central nervous system tumor
- Vertebral anomaly
More DifferentialsGuidelines
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