Resolution of Dacryostenosis After Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

Abstract

Abstract Dacryostenosis is an obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct and is the most common cause of epiphora and ocular discharge in newborns. Whereas most cases resolve spontaneously, invasive treatment may become necessary if symptoms persist past age 6 to 12 months. In the present case, a 9-month-old boy with persistent dacryostenosis was scheduled for lacrimal duct probing after first-line treatments failed. After a single session of osteopathic manipulative treatment, the patient's epiphora and other symptoms resolved, and he no longer needed surgical probing. A review of the literature highlights key pathophysiologic processes, management options, and musculoskeletal aspects of dacryostenosis. Physicians should consider osteopathic manipulative treatment in the management of dacryostenosis.