Application of ultrasonography in diagnosis and treatment of children with congenital muscular torticollis.

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a more common childcare disease, which belongs to muscle-skeletal system diseases, and is more common in newborns. The disease is mainly due to congenital contracture due to chest locks, which leads to asymmetric head and neck. For such diseases, clear diagnosis and treatment in the early days is an important way to improve the prognosis of children. Compared with X-ray film, CT, and MRI, ultrasound examination has the advantages of low examination cost, short time, and no exposure to radiation during the examination. Moreover, ultrasound examination can provide an objective basis for the clinical diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of CMT children. This article reviews the latest research progress of conventional ultrasound, color Doppler ultrasound, and ultrasound elastography in the clinical diagnosis of CMT children and assisting in the formulation of treatment plans.

Muscle texture features on preoperative MRI for diagnosis and assessment of severity of congenital muscular torticollis.

OBJECTIVES: To develop an objective method based on texture analysis on MRI for diagnosis of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The T1- and T2-weighted imaging, Q-dixon, and T1-mapping MRI data of 38 children with CMT were retrospectively analyzed. The region of interest (ROI) was manually drawn at the level of the largest cross-sectional area of the SCM on the affected side. MaZda software was used to obtain the texture features of the T2WI sequences of the ROI in healthy and affected SCM. A radiomics diagnostic model based on muscle texture features was constructed using logistic regression analysis. Fatty infiltration grade was calculated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and fibrosis ratio by Masson staining. Correlation between the MRI parameters and pathological indicators was analyzed. RESULTS: There was positive correlation between fatty infiltration grade and mean value, standard deviation, and maximum value of the Q-dixon sequence of the affected SCM (correlation coefficients, 0.65, 0.59, and 0.58, respectively, P < 0.05).Three muscle texture features-S(2,2)SumAverg, S(3,3)SumVarnc, and T2WI extreme difference-were selected to construct the diagnostic model. The model showed significant diagnostic value for CMT (P < 0.05). The area under the curve of the multivariate conditional logistic regression model was 0.828 (95% confidence interval 0.735-0.922); the sensitivity was 0.684 and the specificity 0.868. CONCLUSION: The radiomics diagnostic model constructed using T2WI muscle texture features and MRI signal values appears to have good diagnostic efficiency. Q-dixon sequence can reflect the fatty infiltration grade of CMT.

A Qualitative Investigation of Parent Perceptions of Home Exercises for Congenital Muscular Torticollis.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe parent perceptions of the home exercise program (HEP) for infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), and how these perceptions evolved over a physical therapy (PT) plan of care. Twelve participants were recruited from a pediatric PT clinic, and nine completed interviews at three time points. Qualitative description and an iterative approach for thematic analysis of 27 interviews yielded three themes that corresponded to the research questions. The participants' responses were categorized into three main themes: (1) parents' perceptions of three key exercises within the HEP, (2) internal and external sources of stress, and (3) sources of empowerment and disempowerment. Regarding the HEP, parents articulated common sentiments for three frequently prescribed exercises for the management of CMT: (1) tummy time was the fast favorite, (2) ipsilateral cervical rotation was perceived as stressful, and (3) contralateral cervical lateral flexion felt uncomfortable. Additionally, participants disclosed internal and external sources of stress (guilt, uncertainty, and the demands of returning to work) and sources of disempowerment (inconsistent messaging frompractitioners, feeling overwhelmed) and empowerment (being able to see the bigger picture and clear communication and education about the diagnosis) with respect to managing their infant's CMT. These themes provide insight into the evolution of parent perceptions over a PT plan of care for CMT. Participants' insights suggest a need for consistent messaging regarding the diagnosis and evidence-based management of CMT, addressing parent stress, and modifying how exercises are taught. This study contributes updated research on parents' experiences with physical therapy and the HEP for their infant's CMT.

The effect of combined surgery and physiotherapy on the facial asymmetry in patients with congenital muscular torticollis: a retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of surgical therapy, intraoperative evaluation, and immediate physiotherapy on the facial asymmetry of patients with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). Patients who underwent a combination of unipolar sternocleidomastoid muscle release with perioperative physiotherapy between 2014 and 2020 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen were enrolled. Three-dimensional photographs of the face acquired 2 months preoperatively and 1.5-2 years postoperatively were assessed. Based on 43 patients, there was a significant improvement in the asymmetry indices (angles between bilateral exocanthion, bilateral cheilion, and nasion-gnathion lines): mean ± standard deviation reductions in indices (Ex-Ex)-(Ch-Ch), (Ex-Ex)-(Na-Gn), and (Ch-Ch)-(Na-Gn) of 0.88 ± 1.08° (P < 0.001), 1.04 ± 1.26° (P < 0.001), and 0.21 ± 1.06° (P = 0.024), respectively. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that intervention at an early age (P = 0.017) and left-sided torticollis (P = 0.030) were associated with a significantly greater improvement in the facial asymmetry. This study found that the use of combined surgery and physiotherapy reduced the facial asymmetry of patients with CMT at 2 years postoperatively. Early intervention and left-sided torticollis were associated with a greater improvement in the facial asymmetry. This indicates that attention should be given to early intervention and right-sided CMT cases postoperatively.

Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Flap in an Older Patient With Congenital Muscular Torticollis.

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is caused by muscle damage during childbirth, tumors, or masses within the muscles and generally resolves with physical therapy during infancy. In this study, we performed reconstruction after resection of a parotid gland tumor using a sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCMM) flap in an older patient with neglected CMT. The patient was a 64-year-old woman who had had a left-sided oblique neck since infancy but had never received any treatment, including physical therapy. She underwent parotid tumor resection and SCMM flap transfer. The SCMM flap can be safely elevated using indocyanine green fluorescence angiography, with the middle pedicle serving as the feeding vessel to fill the parotid defect. Three months after surgery, the torticollis had improved and the cheek depression was not noticeable, indicating the effectiveness of surgical treatment for CMT in older patients and the possibility of using SCMM as a muscle flap.

Experience with the management of 2599 cases of congenital muscular torticollis and a multicenter epidemiological investigation in 17 hospitals in China.

BACKGROUND: Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common musculoskeletal disease affecting infants and young children. If CMT is not treated correctly and timely, it can lead to limited head and neck movements, head and neck deviation, and abnormal posture. In order to improve patients' symptoms and alleviate the negative impact of the disease on their lives, we are committed to exploring the treatment of CMT. METHODS: The general clinical and ultrasonographic data of 2599 children with CMT who received standardized treatment at Shenzhen Children's Hospital from 2004 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. According to given treatment, children with CMT were divided into the physiotherapy group, physiotherapy combined with glucocorticoid treatment group, and surgical treatment group. We divided children with CMT into local mass, uniform thickening, and atrophy according to ultrasound features. General clinical information, treatment, and ultrasound examination data in each group were compared. Additionally, electronic medical records of 2344 patients admitted due to CMT in 17 tertiary children's hospitals of China's Futang Research Center of Pediatric Development (FRCPD) from 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Data on sex, age, year of admission and discharge, and treatment costs during hospitalization were extracted from the first medical record pages according to the ICD codes. The data were assessed for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Depending on the data distribution, they were analyzed using parametric tests, such as the t-test, or non-parametric tests. Qualitative data are expressed as percentages (%) and analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher's exact probability test, with α = 0.05 as the test level. P < 0.05 was considered to be indicative of a statistically significant difference. RESULTS: Three types of CMT were defined based on sternocleidomastoid muscle ultrasound examination characteristics: local mass, uniform thickening, and atrophy. Age at first diagnosis was 69.21 ± 108.41 days in local mass type group, 216.85 ± 324.09 days in uniform thickening group, and 417.88 ± 739.05 days in atrophy- type group; while age at first physiotherapy use was 94.06 ± 206.49 days, 255.00 ± 430.62 days, 540.92 ± 1059.29 respectively. The children included in local mass type group have shown a high success rate of conservative treatment, with a rate of 7.5% of children underwent surgery. Age at first diagnosis was 112.44 ± 224.12 days in the physiotherapy group, 115.87 ± 144.86 days in the physiotherapy combined with glucocorticoid treatment subgroup, whereas the age at first physiotherapy use was 137.38 ± 312.11 and 196.91 ± 344.26 days respectively. In the observation period (2015-2019) the mean age at surgery for CMT in 17 tertiary children's hospitals of the FRCPD was 50 months. Overall, 663 children with CMT were 1-2 years of age, accounting for the largest proportion (28.3%). Followed by 417 individuals (17.8%) were 7-14 years of age, indicating that there are still more children with CMT receiving surgical treatment later. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve the conservative treatment success rate and achieve good prognosis in children with CMT. Our team's concept for treating CMT is as follows: after diagnosing the children, we will adopt the standardized protocol of treatment, with physiotherapy combined with the injection of glucocorticoid drugs and SCM release surgery, when needed. This program has a high conservative treatment success rate and may facilitate the achievement of better prognosis and reduced teratogenicity rate.

Factors associated with postoperative muscle reconnection in children's congenital muscular torticollis.

Background: In prior studies, there has been no report of clinical observation of postoperative reconnection of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) in children with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the factors associated with postoperative reconnection of the SCM in children with CMT, and to provide clinical evidence. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, wherein 83 CMT children without any missing data were followed up from November 2019 to June 2021. The age at the time of surgery, sex, preoperative and postoperative follow-up duration, laterality, neck mass history, preoperative physical therapy history, and severity type were recorded. The severity classification of CMT was based on clinical features and ultrasound images of SCM. The postoperative reconnection of SCM was measured. Results: Out of 83 patients, ten had postoperative reconnection. The rate of postoperative reconnection of SCM in children with CMT who had undergone unipolar SCM release surgery was 18.994 times higher than in patients who had not undergone such surgery. This difference was statistically significant [odds ratio (OR) =18.994, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.583 to 227.897, P=0.020]. Conclusions: The history of SCM release surgery in CMT children can predict the postoperative reconnection of SCM, which will aid in determining the optimal surgical approach for recurrent CMT patients.

Efficacy of Intensive Inpatient Therapy in Infants with Congenital Muscular Torticollis Involving the Entire Sternocleidomastoid Muscle.

The efficacy and frequency of physiotherapy in the prognosis of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) that involves the entire sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle continues to be unclear. This study investigated the therapeutic effect of intensive inpatient therapy given to infants with CMT that involves the whole SCM using clinical measurements and ultrasound (US). This study included 54 infants (27 boys and 27 girls; mean corrected age of 18.57 days) evaluated for CMT at our outpatient clinic from January 2014 to May 2021. The included patients were divided into three groups (groups 1, 2, and 3). Patients in group 1 underwent outpatient treatment 12 times. Patients in groups 2 and 3 underwent therapeutic exercise followed by US diathermy with microcurrent twice daily for 1 or 2 weeks, respectively. Passive range of motion of the cervical rotation (PCRROM) and SCM thickness were evaluated pre- and post-treatment. Among the three groups, the demographic data at baseline were not significantly different, SCM thickness and PCRROM were significantly decreased/increased at post-treatment compared to pre-treatment (p < 0.05), mean PCRROM change was significantly greater in group 3 (p < 0.05), and mean SCM thickness reduction between pre-treatment and 3 months post-treatment was significantly greater in groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.05). Therefore, intensive inpatient therapeutic exercise and US diathermy with microcurrent may enhance the prognosis of CMT involving the entire SCM muscle.

[Surgical treatment of congenital muscular torticollis]. / Operative Behandlung des Torticollis muscularis congenitus.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment of congenital muscular torticollis with tripolar release of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, followed by modified postoperative treatment with a special orthosis. INDICATIONS: Muscular torticollis due to contracture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle; failure of conservative therapy. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Torticollis due to bony anomaly or other muscular contractures. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Tenotomy of the sternocleidomastoid muscle occipitally and resection of at least 1 cm of the tendon at the sternal and clavicular origin. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Orthosis must be worn for 6 weeks 24 h/day, then for another 6 weeks 12 h/day. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients were treated with tripolar release of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and modified postoperative management. Average follow-up time was 25.7 months. One patient presented with recurrence after 3 years. No intra- or postoperative complications were observed.

Effect of physical therapy treatment in infants treated for congenital muscular torticollis - a narrative review.

Congenital muscular torticollis is a problem that arises at birth or immediately after birth in which the sternocleidomastoid muscle is shortened on the afflicted side, leading to an ipsilateral rotated of the head and a contralateral rotation of the face and jaw. To determine the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment in infants treated for congenital muscular torticollis, relevant articles published between 2011 and 2020 were located using electronic databases. A total of 9 studies out of 24 potentially relevant articles were reviewed. All studies were randomised controlled trials with 6-8 score on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (Pedro scale) which showed high quality of methodology. The studies typically found significant statistical effects in the management of congenital muscular torticollis. Additionally, most of the studies reported increased adherence to exercise as another essential advantage. Conservative physical therapy management showed positive outcomes, and early physiotherapy referral showed significant reduction in treatment duration.

Clinical Results after Release of Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Surgery for Neglected Congenital Muscular Torticollis-Unipolar vs. Bipolar Release Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although the surgical release of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is required for residual congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), the surgical outcomes between bipolar and unipolar SCM release remained unclear. The purpose of the present study was to assess surgical outcomes after bipolar and unipolar release of SCM in adolescent/adult patients with neglected CMT. METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive adolescent/adult patients with neglected CMT who underwent surgical treatment were enrolled. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at preoperative and final follow-up. RESULTS: The bipolar release of SCM was performed in 3 patients (B group; males, n = 1, females, n = 2) and the unipolar release of SCM in 18 patients (U group; males, n = 6, females, n = 12). The mean age at surgery was 40.0 ± 17.0 years in Group B, and that was 32.3 ± 13.1 years in Group U (p = 0.47). The mean follow-up period was 16.0 ± 5.7 months in Group B and 10.4 ± 7.6 months in Group U (p = 0.22). Cervicomandibular angle correction rates were comparable at 75.4 ± 2.4% for the B group and 73.1 ± 11.7% for the U group (p = 0.62). There was no significant difference in clinical outcome according to the modified Cheng and Tang score between the two groups (p = 0.89). No major complications arose, although one patient exhibited a transient neurological deficit of the greater auricular nerve, and one patient developed a hematoma in the B group. CONCLUSIONS: The unipolar SCM release appeared to be a non-inferiority and less invasive procedure, minimizing surgical scars and avoiding potential auricular nerve damage in adolescent/adult patients with neglected CMT.

Effectiveness of the Treatment of Physiotherapy in the Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Systematic Review.

A single congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a postural musculoskeletal deformity and is characterized by the shortening or stiffness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The reported incidence of CMT ranges from 0.2% to 2%. The objective is to evaluate the effect of physical therapy programs on CMT. For the search, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro and Cochrane databases were used. Randomized controlled trials published between 2018 and 2023 have been included. This study follows the PRISMA 2020 statement and has been registered in the PROSPERO database. Finally, six studies were included. The cervical range of motion (ROM) in rotation was the most analyzed variable, followed by the ultrasound evaluation; one of the studies included the analysis of children's motor development with the Alberta scale. All research found benefits associated with soft tissue mobilization, passive stretching techniques and manual therapy of the cervical spine. In conclusion, it is possible to recommend manual therapy and passive stretching techniques for the treatment of CMT, with significant results on the cervical ROM.

Características, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tortícolis muscular congénita / Characteristics, Diagnosis and Management of Congenial Muscular Torticollis

Introducción: La tortícolis muscular congénita es una entidad clínica que se hace evidente al nacimiento o poco después, presenta un amplio espectro de secuelas; algunas de estas, una vez establecidas, pueden requerir complejas y costosas correcciones quirúrgicas. we Objetivo: Caracterizar la tortícolis muscular congénita según elementos clínicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura relevante sobre el tema en el primer cuatrimestre de 2021. Se utilizaron como buscadores de información científica: Pubmed/Medline, SciELO, Scopus y ScienceDirect, así como fuentes oficiales como, China CDC, CDC y FDA. La estrategia de búsqueda incluyó los siguientes términos como palabras clave: tortícolis muscular congénita, complicaciones dentofaciales y psicológicas, plagiocefalia posicional. Se evaluaron artículos de revisión, de investigación y páginas web que, en general, tenían menos de 10 años de publicados, en idioma español e inglés, y que hicieran referencia específicamente al tema de estudio a través del título. Fueron excluidos los artículos que no cumplieron con estas condiciones. Esto permitió el estudio de 90 referencias bibliográficas, de las cuales 30 se citaron en el presente artículo. Conclusiones: La tortícolis muscular congénita es una enfermedad de observancia frecuente, su diagnóstico clínico y por exámenes complementarios debe hacerse en los primeros meses de vida. La detección y tratamiento rehabilitador precoz constituyen las armas fundamentales para evitar sus secuelas dentofaciales y psicológicas.

Introduction: Congenital muscular torticollis is a clinical entity that becomes evident at birth or shortly thereafter. It presents a wide spectrum of sequelae. Some of these, once established, may require complex and costly surgical corrections. Objective: To characterize congenital muscular torticollis according to clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic elements. Methods: A search for relevant literature on the subject was carried out in the first third of 2021. As information search engines Pubmed/Medline, SciELO, Scopus and ScienceDirect were used; as well as official sources, such as China CDC, CDC and FDA. The search strategy included the following keywords: tortícolis muscular congénita [congenital muscular torticollis], complicaciones dentofaciales y psicológicas [dentofacial and psychological complications], plagiocefalia posicional [positional plagiocephaly]. Review articles, research articles and web pages, in Spanish and in English, were assessed by considering that they had generally been published within less than ten years and that they referred, within their title, specifically to the topic of study. The articles that did not meet these conditions were excluded. This allowed the study of ninety bibliographic references, thirty of which were cited in the present article. Conclusions: Congenital muscular torticollis is a frequently observed disease, which should be diagnosed, clinically and by complementary tests, in the first months of life. Early identification and rehabilitation treatment are the fundamental weapons to avoid its dentofacial and psychological sequelae.

Neglected congenital muscular torticollis: A case report.

Introduction: Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is identified as a thickening and/or stiffening of one side of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) due to muscle fibrosis. This condition results in shortening of SCM and constricted neck motion. Case presentation: A four-year-old girl came with neck muscle stiffness, tilted head to the left, and chin facing to the right presenting since birth. She was diagnosed with CMT at birth. The patient was born via spontaneous vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. At three years old, the patient did brief conservative treatment. This patient was planned for unilateral sternocleidomastoid muscle release via bipolar tenotomy. Twelve months after the surgery, there were no complications or recurrence observed. Discussion: The etiology of CMT remains unknown to date, but recent studies suggest that early treatment of CMT produce better prognosis. The initial treatment for CMT is regular muscle stretching (physiotherapy), as well as education to the child's caregivers about the environmental changes and the child's posture. If the initial attempt fails, surgical intervention is needed. Conclusion: Early detection and early physiotherapy treatment will lead to minimize the risk of surgery. However, for cases that fail conservative therapy or neglected cases, it is recommended to carry out operative therapy to improve quality of life later.

Factors influencing and long-term effects of manual myotomy phenomenon during physiotherapy for congenital muscular torticollis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the factors influencing and long-term effects of manual myotomy (MM) occurring during physiotherapy for congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). METHODS: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of children with CMT receiving physiotherapy between 2008 and 2018. The children were divided into manual myotomy (MM) and non-manual myotomy (NMM) groups according to whether MM occurred during treatment. We assessed physiotherapy outcomes in children with CMT using craniofacial asymmetry parameters and the Cheng-Tang rating score. By measuring the ear-eye distance, ear-nose distance, eye-mouth distance, ear-mouth distance, half-head circumference, and half-head top at two sides to evaluate craniofacial asymmetry. Based on the Cheng-Tang assessment criteria, we recorded the range of rotation, range of lateral flexion, the status of the contracted muscle, the hardness of the mass, the extent of head tilting during activities and sleeping, the status of daily activities, face size, type of head shape, cranial changes, and subjective head tilting to assess the effectiveness of treatment. Clinical data and outcome indicators (craniofacial asymmetry parameters and Cheng-Tang rating score) were compared. RESULTS: The MM group had a significantly higher total Cheng-Tang rating score than the NMM group (P < 0.05). Age at initial physiotherapy session was the risk factor for MM during physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Children with CMT developing MM during physiotherapy generally have a good outcome, although we do not recommend MM as a goal of treatment. Physiotherapists should understand this phenomenon, assess relevant factors to predict risk, and carefully observe treatment to prevent possible complications.

Incidence of Congenital Muscular Torticollis in Babies from Southern Portugal: Types, Age of Diagnosis and Risk Factors.

Congenital torticollis (CMT) is the most common type of torticollis and is defined as a unilateral contracture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle resulting in lateral head tilt associated with contralateral rotation, and early detection and treatment may present a high probability of recovery of head posture symmetry. This study aimed to verify the incidence of torticollis in babies born in southern Portugal types, age of diagnosis and the risk factors. This study comprised 6565 infants born in the south of Portugal at Algarve University Hospital Center, Portimão unit during a 5-year period (January 2016 to December 2020). The cases diagnosed with torticollis referred to the Pediatrics and Pediatric Physiatrist consultations at this hospital were included. 118 babies­77 (65.3%) male and 41 (34.7%) female­were diagnosed with torticollis. The incidence of a 5-year period was 1.5%. Spontaneous vaginal delivery was prevalent (n = 56; 47.5%), with 106 (89.8%) deliveries with cephalic presentation. 53 (44.9%) cases of torticollis were classified as postural, 37 (31.4%) as muscular torticollis with joint limitation and 28 (23.7%) as congenital torticollis (with the presence of a nodule). Postural torticollis was diagnosed at an average age of 70.14 days, muscular torticollis with joint limitation at an average of 64.12 days and congenital torticollis at 33.25 days (p < 0.001). Plagiocephaly was present in 48 (40.7%) babies with torticollis (p = 0.005) and joint limitation in 53 (44.9%) babies (p < 0.001). The data obtained revealed a low incidence of CMT, with the majority being classified as postural. The age of diagnosis varied between 33 to 70 days from birth. The baby's gender, mode of delivery and the fetal presentation during delivery did not show a statistically significant association with the presence of torticollis. Despite presenting a low incidence, it is important to mention the importance of professional health intervention in the implementation of prevention strategies.

Outcome of surgical treatment for neglected congenital muscular torticollis: A series of 28 adolescent patients.

Background: Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common musculoskeletal anomaly that can be excellently managed at birth with conservative physiotherapy; as a result, literature on neglected cases of CMT in older patients is sparse, and there is controversy regarding the ideal surgical approach. This report aims to provide the outcome of 28 adolescent patients with neglected CMT who underwent unipolar release at the distal sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). Methods: Twenty-eight adolescent patients with untreated CMT presented to our department between 2016 and 2019 and underwent unipolar release at the distal end of their SCM. All patients had no other anomaly based on clinical examination and radiological investigations. At the time of surgery, the mean age of patients was 15.8 years (range 13-18 years). There were 10 male and 18 female patients with the right side affected in 20 cases. All patients were followed up for 2 years. Patients were evaluated using an adapted version of the modified Lee's scoring system to assess cosmesis and the cervical-mandibular angle (CMA) to assess radiological change. Results: The adapted modified Lee's scoring system indicated 17 patients (60.7%) had an excellent outcome, 6 patients (21.4%) had a good outcome, and 5 patients (17.9%) had a fair outcome. In particular, scarring was fine in 23 patients (82.1%) and only slight in the remaining. Independent to the categorical outcome, all patients subjectively reported high satisfaction with their cosmesis. The preoperative mean CMA was 19.6° (range, 8.5-31.5°), which was reduced to a mean of CMA of 14.0° (range, 3-28°) after surgery (P < 0.05). No patient developed any permanent complication or required surgery for recurrence. No serious postoperative complications such as infection or hematoma were observed. Conclusion: In uncomplicated cases of neglected CMT in adolescent patients, unipolar tenotomy of the distal SCM is a safe and reliable technique with good clinical outcomes.

A rare case of 9 years congenital muscular torticollis treated with complete unipolar sternocleidomastoid release: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), when left untreated, may result in numerous complications such as eye movement disorder, craniofacial asymmetry, neck pain and compensatory asymmetrical spine curvature that worsens with age. We reported a 9-year-old boy with neglected CMT treated with complete unipolar sternocleidomastoid release. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 9-year-old boy presented with his head tilted to the left since he was born. Physical examination revealed tense and uptight sternocleidomastoid muscle. The patient then underwent complete unipolar stenocleidomastoid release. Postoperatively, the patient completed 3 months of aggressive physical therapy thrice a week followed by a home exercise regimen once the patient was discharged from therapy. At six months of follow-up, the active range of motion of his neck was markedly improved in all directions, and his cervical spine was noted to be straight. The CMA was also decreased from 14 to 0 degree. DISCUSSION: It is recommended that, in those with CMT, the surgery should be performed between 1 and 4 years of age. However, in our case, the patient was already 9 years old. Nevertheless, he had achieved regained full cervical range of motion, and significant improvement of CMA angle (from 14 to 0 degree postoperatively) after undergoing unipolar sternocleidomastoid release and three months of aggressive physical therapy. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention followed by aggressive physical therapy for patients with neglected CMT, despite late presentation, may still carry a favourable outcome.

Caracterización clínica, radiológica y epidemiológica de niños con secuelas de tortícolis muscular congénita / Clinical, radiological, and epidemiological characterization of children with sequelae of congenital muscular torticollis / Caracterização clínica, radiológica e epidemiológica de crianças com sequelas de torcicolo muscular congênito

RESUMEN Introducción: Las secuelas de la tortícolis muscular congénita en niños tiene un amplio espectro, algunas de las cuales, una vez establecidas pueden requerir complejas y costosas correcciones quirúrgicas. Objetivo: Caracterizar las secuelas de tortícolis muscular congénita según elementos clínicos, radiológicos y epidemiológicos en niños atendidos en Santiago de Cuba en el periodo 2017-2020. Método: Estudio prospectivo-analítico de caso-control en 112 niños con dicha enfermedad, separados en casos (24 niños) y controles (88 niños). El procesamiento de datos implicó análisis de frecuencias, cálculo de Ji-cuadrado, identificación de factores asociados a variable dependiente, cálculo del valor de p y Odds ratio. Resultados: Se obtuvo predominio de población masculina en casos (70,8 %) y controles (68,2 %), con asociación estadística entre edad ≥ 6 meses al momento del diagnóstico y presencia de complicaciones (OR: 2,4-20,4; p=0,00). Existió asociación estadística entre macrosomía al nacer y presencia de complicaciones en 25,0 % de casos y 11,4 % de controles (OR: 1,9-12,5; p=0,02). Hubo asociación estadística entre inicio tardío del tratamiento rehabilitador y complicaciones (OR: 2,86-21,3; p=0,00). Conclusiones: Se observó predominio de complicaciones orgánicas o comorbilidades en varones, siendo más probable el incremento significativo de secuelas en estos y cuando se inicia el tratamiento médico después de los 6 meses de edad. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron: asimetría facial, plagiocefalia y asociación de dos o más secuelas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sequelae of congenital muscular torticollis in children have a wide spectrum, some of which, set already, may require complex and costly surgical corrections. Objective: To characterize the sequelae of congenital muscular torticollis according to clinical, radiological, and epidemiological elements in children attended in Santiago de Cuba from 2017 to 2020. Method: Prospective-analytical case-control study in 112 children with this disease, separated in cases (24 children) and controls (88 children). Data processing involved frequency analysis, calculation of chi-square, identification of factors associated with dependent variable, calculation of the p-value and OR. Results: The male population predominated in cases (70.8%) and controls (68.2%), with a statistical association between age ≥ 6 months at diagnosis and the presence of complications (OR: 2.4-20.4; p=0.00). There was a statistical association between macrosomia at birth and the presence of complications in 25.0 % of cases and 11.4 % of controls (OR: 1.9-12.5; p=0.02). There was a statistical association between late initiation of rehabilitation treatment and complications (OR: 2.86-21.3; p=0.00). Conclusions: A predominance of organic complications or comorbidities was observed in males, with a significant increase of sequelae in this group and also when medical treatment is started after 6 months of age. The most frequent complications were facial asymmetry, plagiocephaly and association of two or more sequelae.

RESUMO Introdução: As sequelas do torcicolo muscular congênito em crianças têm amplo espectro, algumas das quais, uma vez estabelecidas, podem exigir correções cirúrgicas complexas e onerosas. Objetivo: Caracterizar as sequelas do torcicolo muscular congênito segundo elementos clínicos, radiológicos e epidemiológicos em crianças atendidas em Santiago de Cuba no período 2017-2020. Método: Estudo prospectivo-analítico caso-controle em 112 crianças com essa doença, separadas em casos (24 crianças) e controles (88 crianças). O processamento dos dados envolveu análise de frequência, cálculo do Qui-quadrado, identificação dos fatores associados à variável dependente, cálculo do valor de p e Odss ratio. Resultados: Obteve-se predominância da população masculina nos casos (70,8%) e controles (68,2%), com associação estatística entre idade ≥ 6 meses no momento do diagnóstico e presença de complicações (OR: 2,4-20,4; p=0,00). Houve associação estatística entre macrossomia ao nascimento e presença de complicações em 25,0% dos casos e 11,4% dos controles (OR: 1,9-12,5; p=0,02). Houve associação estatística entre início tardio do tratamento de reabilitação e complicações (OR: 2,86-21,3; p=0,00). Conclusões: Observou-se predominância de complicações orgânicas ou comorbidades no sexo masculino, com aumento significativo de sequelas sendo mais provável nestes e quando o tratamento médico é iniciado após os 6 meses de idade. As complicações mais frequentes foram: assimetria facial, plagiocefalia e associação de duas ou mais sequelas.