Operative Treatment of Congenital Muscular Torticollis in Children / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical result of surgically treated congenital muscular torticollis in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty seven patients who had not received any prior medical treatment or who recurred after the initial operation were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups (Group 1, 1-4 years old and Group 2, 5-16 years old). The average follow-up period was 46 months. Clinical results were assessed by using motion deficits, craniofacial asymmetry, scar, band, subjective assessment, and by head tilt. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between two groups in craniofacial asymmetry, band, subjective assessment, head tilt and overall scores. But motion deficit, scar, and head tilt revealed more successful results in Group 2 than Group 1. CONCLUSION: Generally, the older age group had better understanding and compliance to postoperative program. Therefore, the surgical treatment of the muscular torticolis should be postponed until the patients can successfully cooperate with the postoperative brace and exercise program.

Treatment of Congenital Muscular Torticollis in Patients Older than 8 Years / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical result of congenital muscular torticollis treatment in patients older than 8 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty two patients over 8 years who had not received any prior medical treatment or who recurred after the initial operation were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups (Group 1; still in growth and Group 2; reached full growth). The average follow-up period was 9 months. Clinical results were assessed by using motion deficits, craniofacial asymmetry, scarrng, band, head tilt, and by subjective assessment. RESULTS: Clinical results were less successful in Group 2 than in Group 1. However, most members of Group 2 showed a marked improvement of neck motion and head tilt with satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: In patients older than school age, even in those who have reached full growth, satisfactory results can be expected by complete releasing the sternocleidomastoid muscle and intensive postoperative care.