Background and purpose of the study. Dropped Head Syndrome (DHS) is characterized by a chin on chest flexion neck deformity that is passively correctible. The condition is rare and literature on surgical and conservative management is focused on case studies and theoretical evidence. Purpose of the study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of physiotherapy in the treatment of DHS by case series analysis. Methods. The effectiveness of physiotherapy was examined in six patients, some of whom were still under treatment and evaluation. Photographs were taken of some of the patients in order to gain further insight into the condition. Conservative management was provided in the form of physiotherapy and the use of a collar. Physiotherapy treatment involved a focus on sagittal balance and treatment included education, manual therapy, exercises, postural and mirror work and modification of sitting and lying positions. Results. In the first completed case study the patient reported an improvement in the ability to correct their deformity and improved appearance following physiotherapy. Photographs taken before and after treatment appear to support this. At one year follow up this patient still followed the advice given and did the exercises taught and reported to find them beneficial in managing DHS. The same approach was applied with the other patients in the case series with treatment and analysis evolving as further insight into the condition was gained. Conclusion. The case series supports other reported cases in the literature which report benefit from the use of physiotherapy as well as raising questions around the potential causes and management of DHS. Conflicts of interest – No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding – No funding obtained

Methods

In this study of patients who underwent internal fixation without fusion for a burst thoracolumbar or lumbar fracture, we compared the serial changes in the injured disc height (DH), and the fractured vertebral body height (VBH) and kyphotic angle between patients in whom the implants were removed and those in whom they were not. Radiological parameters such as injured DH, fractured VBH and kyphotic angle were measured. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Greenough low back outcome scale and a VAS scale for pain.