Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Volume 25, Issue 6 , Pages E1-E9 , July 2002

The Webster Technique: A chiropractic technique with obstetric implications

Received 22 August 2001 ,Revised 22 October 2001

References 

  1. Higginbottom MC, Jones KL, James HE. Intrauterine constraint and craniosynostosis. Neurosurgery. 1980;6:39–44
  2. Graham JM, Badura RJ, Smith DW. Coronal craniostenosis: fetal head constraint as one possible cause. Pediatrics. 1980;65:995–999
  3. Clarren SK, Hall JG. Neuropathologic findings in the spinal cords of 10 infants with arthrogryposis. J Neurol Sci. 1983;58:89–102
  4. Miller ME. Structural defects as a consequence of early intrauterine constraint: limb deficiency, polydactyly, and body wall defects. Semin Perinatol. 1983;7:274–277
  5. Aase JM. Structural defects as consequence of late intrauterine constraint: craniotabes, loose skin, and asymmetric ear size. Semin Perinatol. 1983;7:270–273
  6. Dunn DW, Engle WA. Brachial plexus palsy: intrauterine onset. Pediatr Neurol. 1985;1:367–369
  7. Dunne KB, Clarren SK. The origin of prenatal and postnatal deformities. Pediatr Clin North Am. 1986;33:1277–1297
  8. Heinrich UE. Intrauterine growth retardation and familial short stature. Baillieres Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1992;6:589–601
  9. Hammond E, Donnenfeld AE. Fetal akinesia. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1995;50:240–249
  10. Johnson D, Wall SA, Mann S, Wilkie AO. A novel mutation, Ala315Ser, in FGFR2: a gene-environment interaction leading to craniosynostosis?. Eur J Hum Genet. 2000;8:571–577
  11. Taylor HC. Breech Presentation with hyperextension of the neck and intrauterine dislocation of cervical vertebrae. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1948;56:38
  12. Hellstrom B, Sallmander U. Prevention of spinal cord injury in hyperextension of the fetal head. JAMA. 1968;204:1041–1044
  13. McMullen M. Physical stresses of childhood that could lead to need for chiropractic care. ICA Review. 1995 Jan/Feb;24–28
  14. Gregory KD, Curtin SC, Taffel SM, Notzon FC. Changes in indications for cesarean delivery: United States, 1985 and 1994. Am J Public Health. 1998;88:1384–1387
  15. Lee KS, Khoshnood B, Sriram S, Hsieh HL, Singh J, Mittendorf R. Relationship of cesarean delivery to lower birth weight-specific neonatal mortality in singleton breech infants in the United States. Obstet Gynecol. 1998;92:769–774
  16. Diro M, Puangsricharern A, Royer L, O'Sullivan MJ, Burkett G. Singleton term breech deliveries in nulliparous and multiparous women: a 5-year experience at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1999;181:247–252
  17. Schiff E, Friedman SA, Mashiach S, Hart O, Barkai G, Sibai BM. Maternal and neonatal outcome of 846 term singleton breech deliveries: seven-year experience at a single center. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1996;175:18–23
  18. Hacker NF, Moore JG. Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: : WB Saunders; 1992;
  19. Millar WJ, Nair C, Wadhera S. Health Statistics Division at Statistics Canada. Declining cesarean section rates: a continuing trend?. Health Rep. 1996;8:17–24
  20. Curtin SC, Martin JA. Births: Preliminary data for 1999. Natl Vital Stat Rep. 2000;48:1–20
  21. Wagner M. Midwife-managed care. Lancet. 1996;348:208
  22. Sachs BP, Kobelin C, Castro MA, Frigoletto F. The risks of lowering the cesarean delivery rate. N Engl J Med. 1999;340:54–57
  23. Curtin SC, Kozak LJ. Decline in US Cesarean delivery rate appears to stall. Birth. 1998;25:259–262
  24. Curtin SC, Kozak LJ, Gregory KD. US cesarean and VBAC rates stalled in the mid-1990s. Birth. 2000;27:54–57
  25. World Health Organization . Appropriate technology for birth. Lancet. 1985;2:436–437
  26. Cesarean childbirth: report of a consensus development conference. Bethesda: National Institute of Health; 1981;
  27. Healthy People 2000: national health promotion and disease prevention objectives DHHS publication 91-50212. Washington, DC: United States Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service; 1991;
  28. Zhang J, Bowes WA, Fortney JA. Efficacy of external cephalic version: a review. Obstet Gynecol. 1993;82:306–312
  29. Gimovsky ML, Wallace RL, Schifrin BS, Paul RH. Randomized management of the nonfrank breech presentation at term: a preliminary report. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1983;146:34–40
  30. Maternal, infant, and child health, Healthy People 2010 objectives, Obstetrical Care, Reduce cesarean births among low-risk (full term, singleton, vertex presentation) women. In: 2nd ed. US Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2010. 2 vols:Washington, DC: : US Government Printing Office; November 2000; With Understanding and Improving Health and Objectives for Improving Health
  31. Ylikorkala O, Hartikainen-Sorri AL. Value of external version in fetal malpresentation in combination with use of ultrasound. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1977;56:63–67
  32. Van Dorsten JP, Schifrin BS, Wallace RL. Randomized control trial of external cephalic version with tocolysis in late pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynaecol. 1981;141:417–424
  33. Hofmeyr GJ. Effect of external cephalic version in late pregnancy on breech presentation and caesarean section rate: a controlled trial. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1983;90:392–399
  34. Brocks V, Philipsen T, Secher NJ. A randomized trial of external cephalic version with tocolysis in late pregnancy. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1984;91:653–656
  35. Stine LE, Phelan JP, Wallace R, Eglinton GS, van Dorsten JP, Schifrin BS. Update on external cephalic version performed at term. Obstet Gynecol. 1985;65:642–646
  36. Rabinovici J, Barkai G, Shalev J, Serr DM, Mashiach S. Impact of a protocol for external cephalic version under tocolysis at term. Isr J Med Sci. 1986;22:34–40
  37. Dyson DC, Ferguson JE, Hensleigh P. Antepartum external cephalic version under tocolysis. Obstet Gynecol. 1986;67:63–68
  38. O'Grady JP, Veille JC, Holland RL, Burry KA. External cephalic version: a clinical experience. J Perinat Med. 1986;14:189–196
  39. Morrison JC, Myatt RE, Martin JN, Meeks GR, Martin RW, Bucovaz ET, et al. External cephalic version of the breech presentation under tocolysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1986;154:900–903
  40. Marchick R. Antepartum external cephalic version with tocolysis: A study of term singleton breech presentations. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1988;158(6 Pt 1):1339–1346
  41. Van Veelen AJ, Van Cappellen AW, Flu PK, Straub MJ, Wallenburg HC. Effect of external cephalic version in late pregnancy on presentation at delivery: a randomized controlled trial. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1989;96:916–921
  42. Hanss JW. The efficacy of external cephalic version and its impact on the breech experience. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990;162:1459–1464
  43. Mahomed K, Seeras R, Coulson R. External cephalic version at term. A randomized controlled trial using tocolysis. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1991;98:8–13
  44. Cook HA. Experience with external cephalic version and selective vaginal breech delivery in private practice. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993;168(6 Pt 1):1886–1890
  45. Webster LL. Chiropractic care during pregnancy. Today's Chiro. 1982;20–22
  46. Anrig-Howe C. Scientific ramifications for providing prenatal and neonate chiropractic care. Am Chiro. 1993;20–23
  47. Forrester J. Chiropractic management of third trimester in-utero constraint. Can Chiro. 1997;2:8–13
  48. Kunau PL. Application of the Webster in-utero constraint technique: a case series. J Clin Chiro Ped. 1998;3:211–216
  49. Bagnell LC, Gardner-Bagnell K. Analysis and adjustment for breech presentations. Today's Chiropractic. 1999;54–57
  50. Peet JB. Prenatal adjusting technique. In: 2nd ed.  Peet JB editors. Chiropractic pediatric and prenatal reference manual. South Burlington: : Baby Adjusters, Inc; 1992;p. 205–210
  51. Fallon J. Textbook on chiropractic and pregnancy. Arlington: : International Chiropractors Association; 1994;
  52. Frye A. Holistic midwifery: A comprehensive textbook for midwives in homebirth practice. Care during pregnancy. Vol. I. Portland (OR): : Labrys Press; 1995;
  53. Forrester J, Anrig C. The prenatal and perinatal period. In:  Anrig C,  Plaugher G editor. Pediatric Chiropractic. Baltimore: : Williams and Wilkins; 1998;p. 75–161
  54. Kunau PL. Chiropractic prenatal care: a case series illustrating the need for special equipment, examination procedures, techniques, and supportive therapies for the pregnancy patient. J Clin Chiro Ped. 1999;4(1):264–282
  55. The Association of Chiropractic Colleges . Issues in chiropractic, position paper #1. http://www.chirocolleges.org/paradimt.html. 2000July1996; Available at Accessed April 26
  56. The Association of Chiropractic Colleges . Issues in chiropractic, position paper #2. ACC Chiropractic scope and practice. http://www.chirocolleges.org/scopet.html. 2000July1996; Available at Accessed April 26
  57. Recommended clinical protocols and guidelines for the practice of chiropractic. Arlington: : The International Chiropractors Association; 2000;
  58. Haldeman S, Chapman-Smith D, Petersen D. Guidelines for chiropractic quality assurance and practice parameters. Gaithersburg (MD): : Aspen Publishers; 1993;
  59. Henderson D, Chapman-Smith D, Mior S, Vernon H. Clinical guidelines for chiropractic practice in Canada. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 1994;
  60. The Council on Chiropractic Practice . Guideline Number 1: vertebral subluxation in chiropractic practice. Chandler: : Council on Chiropractic Practice; 1998;
  61. McDowell I, Newell C. Measuring health: A guide to rating scales and questionnaires. Oxford Univ Press; 1987;
  62. Mendenhall W. Introduction to probability and statistics. In: 5th ed. Mass: Duxberry Press; 1979;p. 246
  63. In: 37th ed.  Williams PL,  Warwick R,  Dyson M,  Bannister LH editor. Gray's Anatomy. London: : Churchill Livingstone; 1989;
  64. Netter FH. Atlas of Human Anatomy; Seventh Printing. Summit: Ciba-Giegy Corporation; 1994;
  65. Anatomy of the pelvis. In: 3rd ed.  Gabbe SG,  Niebyl JR,  Simpson JL editor. Obstetrics. Normal and problem pregnancies. Philadelphia: : Churchill Livingstone; 1996;
  66. Stendler A. Kinesiology of the human body under normal and pathological conditions. 5th ed. Springfield: : Charles C. Thomas; 1977;
  67. Helfet AJ, Gruebel L. Disorders of the lumbar spine. In: Philadelphia: : JB Lippencott; 1978;p. 219
  68. Gehweiler JA, Osborne RL, Becker RF. The radiology of vertebral trauma. In: Philadelphia: : WB Saunders; 1980;p. 85
  69. Schafer RC, Faye LJ. Motion palpation and chiropractic technique: principles of dynamic chiropractic. Huntington Beach, (CA): : Motion Palpation Institute; 1989;
  70. Schafer RC. Clinical biomechanics: Musculoskeletal actions and reactions. 2nd ed. Baltimore: : Williams and Wilkins; 1987;
  71. Grice A. Mechanics of walking, development and clinical significance. J Can Chiro Assoc. 1972;16:15–23
  72. Clayson SJ, Newman IM, Debevec D. Evaluation of mobility of hip and lumbar vertebrae of normal young women. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1962;43:1–8
  73. Greenman PE. Innominate shear dysfunction in the sacroiliac syndrome. Man Med. 1986;2:114–121
  74. Mitchell FL, Moran PS, Pruzzo NA. An evaluation and treatment manual of osteopathic muscle energy procedures. 1st ed. Valley Park (MO): : Mitchell, Moran, and Pruzzo; 1979;
  75. Walters PJ. Pelvis. In: Plaugher G, editor. Textbook of clinical chiropractic. A specific biomechanical approach. Baltimore: : Williams and Wilkins; 1993;
  76. Greenman PE. Clinical aspects of sacroiliac function in walking. Man Med. 1990;5:125–130
  77. Blaser HW. Massage: Current application. In:  Peat M editors. Current physical therapy. Philadelphia: : BC Decker; 1988;
  78. Travell JG, Simons DG. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins; 1983.
  79. Kottke FJ, Lehmann JF. Krusen's handbook of physical medicine and rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia: : WB Saunders; 1990;
  80. Braddom RL. Physical medicine and rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: : WB Saunders; 2000;
  81. Peat M. Current physical therapy. Philadelphia: : BC Decker; 1988;
  82. Flock F, Stoz F, Paulus W, Scheurle B, Kreienberg R. External fetal version from breech presentation to cephalic presentation: modifying factors, reliability, and risks. Zentralbl Gynakol. 1998;120:60–65
  83. Healey M, Porter R, Galimberti A. Introducing external cephalic version at 36 weeks or more in a district general hospital: a review and an audit. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1997;104:1073–1079
  84. Regalia AL, Curiel P, Natale N, Galluzzi A, Spinelli G, Ghezzi GV, et al.  Routine use of external cephalic version in three hospitals. Birth. 2000;27:19–24
  85. Green PM, Alfirevic Z. External cephalic version. Hosp Med. 1999;60:860–862
  86. Tan GW, Jen SW, Tan SL, Salmon YM. A prospective randomised controlled trial of external cephalic version comparing two methods of uterine tocolysis with a non-tocolysis group. Singapore Med J. 1989;30:155–158
  87. Nohe G, Hartmann W, Klapproth CE. Fetal version as ambulatory intervention. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 1996;56:328–330
  88. Robertson AW, Kopelman JN, Read JA, Duff P, Magelssen DJ, Dashow EE. External cephalic version at term: is a tocolytic necessary?. Obstet Gynecol. 1987;70:896–899
  89. Seeds JW, Walsh M. Malpresentations. In: 3rd ed.  Gabbe SG,  Niebyl JR,  Simpson JL editor. Obstetrics. Normal and problem pregnancies. Philadelphia: : Churchill Livingstone; 1996;
  90. American College of Obstetricians , Gynecologists . ACOG practice patterns External cephalic version. July 1997. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 1997;59(Number 4):73–80
  91. Rosen LJ, Zucker D, Oppenheimer-Gazit V, Yagel S. The great tocolytic debate: some pitfalls in the study of safety. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2001;184:1–7
  92. Calhoun BC, Edgeworth D, Brehm W. External cephalic version at a military teaching hospital: predictors of success. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 1995;35:277–279
  93. Brocks V, Philipsen T, Secher NJ. A randomized trial of external cephalic version with tocolysis in late pregnancy. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1984;91:653–656
  94. Becroft DM, Gunn TR. Prenatal cranial haemorrhages in 47 Pacific Islander infants: is traditional massage the cause?. N Z Med J. 1989;102:207–210
  95. Usta IM, Mercer BM, Sibai BM. Current obstetrical practice and umbilical cord prolapse. Am J Perinatol. 1999;16:479–484
  96. Thunedborg P, Fischer-Rasmussen W, Tollund L. The benefit of external cephalic version with tocolysis as a routine procedure in late pregnancy. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1991;42:23–27
  97. Berg D, Kunze U. Critical remarks on external cephalic version under tocolysis. Report on a case of antepartum fetal death. J Perinat Med. 1977;5:32–38
  98. Ylikorkala O, Hartikainen-Sorri AL. Value of external version in fetal malpresentation in combination with use of ultrasound. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1977;56:63–67

☆ This study was supported by the ICPA, Inc.

☆☆ Submit reprints requests to: Richard A. Pistolese, DC, 3201 Ridge Ave, Suite 2, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742-3468.

PII: S0161-4754(02)00015-5

doi: 10.1067/mmt.2002.126127

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Volume 25, Issue 6 , Pages E1-E9 , July 2002

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution