Hyperextension of Neck and Trunk and Shoulderretraction in Infancy - A Prognostic Study

Abstract

Hyperextension of the neck and trunk associated with shoulderretraction is often regarded as an early sign of a developing neurological impairment, which may lead to cerebral palsy. Follow-up results over the first 18 months of life in a group of 105 infants presenting this symptomatology showed that the presence of additional neurological symptomatology rather than hyper-extension as an isolated phenomenon determines prognosis. Neonatal neurological abnormality increases the risk for an abnormal development. Although more boys than girls presented hyperextension, no clear sex differences were found with regard to the influence of additional neurological symptomatology. Physiotherapy appeared to be of limited value only.

Key words

Hyperextension - Shoulderretraction - Opisthotonos - Neonatal neurological examination - Follow-up examination - Physiotherapy - Sex differences