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Case Reports
. 2013 Jul;3(2):198-200.
doi: 10.4103/2231-0746.119222.

Congenital muscular torticollis

Kumar Nilesh  1 , Srijon Mukherji
Affiliations
Case Reports

Congenital muscular torticollis

Kumar Nilesh et al. Ann Maxillofac Surg. 2013 Jul.

Abstract

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a rare congenital musculoskeletal disorder characterized by unilateral shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). It presents in newborn infants or young children with reported incidence ranging from 0.3% to 2%. Owing to effective shortening of SCM on the involved side there is ipsilateral head tilt and contralateral rotation of the face and chin. This article reports a case of CMT in a 3½-year-old male child successfully managed by surgical release of the involved SCM followed by physiotherapy.

Keywords: Congenital; sternocleidomastoid muscle; tenotomy; torticollis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Preoperative clinical photograph showing the child with congenital muscular torticollis affecting the right sternocleidomastoid muscle
Figure 2
Figure 2
Intraoperative photographs. (a) Incision place over mastoid region, the overlying greater auricular nerve (arrow) was identified and protected during dissection. (b) Bot h the clavicular and sternal heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle were identified and then divided. Sternal end was then sutured to the clavicular cut end in an oblique line to achieve muscle lengthening. (c) The excised lower end of SCM. (d) Closure done and complete neck extension was achieved without any strain intraoperatively
Figure 3
Figure 3
Torticollis brace worn by the patient postoperatively
Figure 4
Figure 4
At 12 months postoperative photographs showing straight neck with a normal range of neck movement
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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