Congenital Torticollis
Congenital torticollis is also known as a 'wry neck'.
Babies affected with congenital torticollis hold the neck twisted to one side. It is a result of scarring and resultant shortening of the sternomastoid muscle . Sternomastoid muscle runs along the sides of the neck. As a result of the shortening of the muscle of one side, the chin is pointed towards the opposite direction. The head tilt causes the ear on the affected side to be at a lower level.
What causes congenital torticollis?
The exact cause is not known. It is postulated that the scarring results from an injury sustained to the sternomastoid muscle in utero or during birth.
How does it present?
The condition becomes apparent in 6 to 8 weeks of life.
Before 6 months of age, a lump may be palpable at the site of the muscle.
Other than the abnormal positioning it also affects the range of movements of the neck.
What is the treatment for congenital torticollis?
Initial treatment consists of conservative measures such as stretching and appliances to restore the length of the muscle.
About 10% of patients require a surgical release. This is carried out in preschool years. The release is carried out under general anesthesia as a short stay procedure. Patients can return home the next day. Surgical release restores the normal positioning and range motion of the neck.
Babies affected with congenital torticollis hold the neck twisted to one side. It is a result of scarring and resultant shortening of the sternomastoid muscle . Sternomastoid muscle runs along the sides of the neck. As a result of the shortening of the muscle of one side, the chin is pointed towards the opposite direction. The head tilt causes the ear on the affected side to be at a lower level.
What causes congenital torticollis?
The exact cause is not known. It is postulated that the scarring results from an injury sustained to the sternomastoid muscle in utero or during birth.
How does it present?
The condition becomes apparent in 6 to 8 weeks of life.
Before 6 months of age, a lump may be palpable at the site of the muscle.
Other than the abnormal positioning it also affects the range of movements of the neck.
What is the treatment for congenital torticollis?
Initial treatment consists of conservative measures such as stretching and appliances to restore the length of the muscle.
About 10% of patients require a surgical release. This is carried out in preschool years. The release is carried out under general anesthesia as a short stay procedure. Patients can return home the next day. Surgical release restores the normal positioning and range motion of the neck.
Congenital torticollis showing deviation of the chin to the opposite side
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The normal position and range of motion are restored after surgical correction
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Intra-operative picture showing bipolar release of torticollis