Management of congenital muscular torticollis in a child: a case report and review

Abstract

Congenital muscular torticollis is a condition in which the sternocleidomastoid muscle is shortened on the involved side, leading to an ipsilateral tilt of the head and a contralateral rotation of the face and chin. Most of these patients present in infancy and are successfully treated with physical therapy. Occasionally, patients present in childhood at which time conservative management is rarely successful. Here we present a child with torticollis who was successfully managed with a unipolar release of the sternocleidomastoid. We then review the epidemiology, proposed etiologies, and various treatment options for torticollis and their rates of success.