Congenital Muscular Torticollis

What is congenital muscular torticollis?

Congenital muscular torticollis is a condition in which an infant's neck muscle is shortened causing the neck to twist. Congenital means present at birth and torticollis means twisted neck. The condition is sometimes called "wryneck."

What causes congenital muscular torticollis?

Congenital muscular torticollis may occur following a difficult birth, especially if the infant is very large or is delivered breech. During the delivery, if the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the neck muscle that extends from the jawbone (mastoid) to the clavicle (collarbone) and sternum (breastbone), is stretched or pulled, it may tear, causing bleeding and bruising within the muscle. The injured muscle develops fibrosis (scar tissue) which causes the muscle to shorten and tighten, pulling the infant's head to one side. The fibrosis forms a mass or lump that sometimes can be felt on the side of the neck.

Occasionally, congenital muscular torticollis occurs because of a defect in the development of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, or because of an abnormal fetal position in the uterus.

What are the symptoms of congenital muscular torticollis?

Congenital muscular torticollis may be visible at birth or it may not become evident until several weeks later. The following are the most common symptoms of congenital muscular torticollis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

tilting of the infant's head to one side
the infant's chin turns toward the opposite side
firm, small, one to two centimeter mass in the middle of the sternocleidomastoid muscle

The symptoms of congenital muscular torticollis may resemble other neck masses or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

How is congenital muscular torticollis diagnosed?

Generally, physical examination of the infant may show the characteristic tilting of the head and tension of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, as well as presence of a mass in the middle portion of the muscle. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for congenital muscular torticollis may include the following:

x-rays - to check for abnormalities in the bones of the neck and shoulders; a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
ultrasound examination - to evaluate the muscle around the mass; a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.

Treatment of congenital muscular torticollis:

If the condition is not corrected, the infant will be unable to move his/her head properly. Permanent muscle tightening with asymmetry (uneven development) of the neck and face can result. Specific treatment of congenital muscular torticollis will be determined by your child's physician based on:

your child's age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the condition
your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the condition
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

gentle stretching exercise program (to help relieve the tension and lengthen the sternocleidomastoid muscle)
infant stimulation (to help the infant learn to move and stretch the muscle)
surgery (to correct the shortened muscle)

The neck mass may enlarge during the first month of life, then gradually get smaller, usually disappearing by age 5 to 8 months.

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