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Kristen Hosaka DC, CACCP & Joel Alcantara, DC, PhD
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ June 30, 2025 ~ Volume 2025 ~ Pages 58-69
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Abstract
Objective: To describe the chiropractic care and successful vaginal delivery of a pregnant patient with a breech lie fetal presentation following the use of the Webster Technique.
Clinical Features: A 39-year-old primigravida at 37 weeks’ gestation presented with a breech lie fetal position. She reported chronic low back pain (LBP), bilateral hip pain, pain at the round ligament, left groin pain, and a history of breech presentation with her first pregnancy. Physical examination revealed restriction at the psoas muscle, sacral and pelvic misalignment consistent with Webster subluxation patterning. Her widwife attempted an external cephalic version, ECV, which was not successful.
Intervention and Outcomes: The patient received chiropractic care utilizing the Webster Technique, which includes analysis and adjustment of the sacrum and release of soft tissue tension to eliminate the anatomical barrier to vertex. Following this she also received a second ECV, which allowed the fetus to assume a vertex lie position. No adverse effects were reported, and the patient later delivered vaginally at term without complications.
Conclusion: This case demonstrates the potential benefit of the Webster Technique in resolving breech lie fetal positioning to facilitate vaginal delivery. Further research is warranted to explore its effectiveness and safety on a larger scale.
Keywords: breech, ECV, chiropractic, Webster Technique, vertebral subluxation
