What is the surgical treatment for torticollis?
Treatments include observation, the use of orthotics, exercise programmes, traction, and various operations. These include subcutaneous tenotomy, open tenotomy, bipolar tenotomy, and radical resection of a sternomastoid tumour or the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The optimal time for operative treatment is contentious.
When does torticollis require surgery?
Approximately 10% of children with congenital muscular torticollis require surgery. The operation is typically scheduled once the child reaches preschool years. The procedure will lengthen the short sternocleidomastoid muscle, and may be done as an outpatient surgery, meaning your child could go home the same day.
Can torticollis be hereditary?
Although the clinical features of congenital muscular torticollis are well known, the cause of this disorder still remains hypothetical. The role of heredity is not well established, because there have been only a few studies on it.
What causes torticollis in child?
It happens when your child’s neck muscles are especially tight on 1 side, or if something has caused scarring on 1 side of the neck. The tight muscles or scarring can cause your child’s head to tilt to 1 side. Muscular torticollis happens more often if babies are crowded while developing in their mother’s womb.
Is infant torticollis curable?
Torticollis in infants is common —some studies report that it affects 3 in every 100 babies. Fortunately, in most cases infant torticollis is easily treatable.
Is infant torticollis a disability?
Torticollis, also known as “wry neck” or “twisted neck,” is a disability or condition you are probably familiar with. Anyone can experience it temporarily, such as when a bad night’s sleep puts a strain on your neck. In these cases, it usually disappears very quickly.
Does infant torticollis go away?
Most babies with torticollis get better through position changes and stretching exercises. It might take up to 6 months to go away completely, and in some cases can take a year or longer. Stretching exercises to treat torticollis work best if started when a baby is 3–6 months old.
Does torticollis go away in infants?