CONGENITAL TORTICOLLIS

What is Congenital Torticollis?

Congenital Torticollis, sometimes known colloquially as “wryneck,” refers to when a baby comes out of the womb with a tilted head. The term “Congenital” refers to any condition that exists in a patient from birth. Moreover, with Congenital Torticollis, a baby’s chin will angle towards a shoulder, while the top of their head tilts the opposite direction. Additionally, Physicians urge immediate treatment in order to prevent the baby from growing an uneven bone structure. This will limit the future range of motion in the face and skull.

Indication Of Congenital Torticollis

The main symptom of congenital torticollis is the asymmetrical positioning of the head and neck, typically presenting as:

Head Tilt: The infant’s head is tilted to one side, with the chin pointing towards the opposite shoulder.
Neck Rotation: The infant may have difficulty or limited ability to turn the head fully in both directions.

In some cases, additional symptoms or findings may be present, including:

Firmness or Lump: Palpable thickening or tightness in the affected sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Facial Asymmetry: The face may appear flattened on the affected side or have noticeable differences in facial features.
Developmental Delays: In rare cases, prolonged or severe untreated torticollis may lead to delays in motor development, such as delays in rolling over, sitting up, or crawling.

Treatment Options

Early diagnosis and intervention are important in the management of congenital torticollis. Furthermore, the goal of treatment is to stretch and strengthen the affected muscle, promote symmetrical head and neck movement, and prevent long-term complications. Treatment options may include:

Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises are performed to lengthen the tight sternocleidomastoid muscle and promote improved range of motion.
Positioning and Repositioning: Encouraging frequent changes in the infant’s head position during sleep and awake times to avoid prolonged pressure on one side of the head.
Physical Therapy: A physical therapist specializing in pediatric care can provide guidance on specific exercises, positioning techniques, and assistive devices. This promotes proper alignment, strengthen muscles, and improve motor development.
Parental Education: Educating parents on home exercises, proper positioning techniques, and strategies to encourage symmetrical movement and development.
Referral to Specialists: In some cases, referral to a pediatric orthopedic specialist or other healthcare professionals may be necessary to assess the need for further intervention. Such as serial casting or surgical release of the tight muscle (rarely required).

With early intervention and consistent management, most cases of congenital torticollis can be effectively treated. Additionally, the majority of infants achieve full recovery and normal neck function. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or physical therapist. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan based on the specific details of your child’s condition.

Congenital Torticollis Recovery

Recovery from congenital torticollis, a condition characterized by a tilted or twisted neck due to tightened neck muscles, involves early intervention and tailored treatment plans. Treatment typically begins with physical therapy techniques such as stretching exercises and positioning maneuvers. This aims at loosening the tight muscles and improving neck mobility.

Parents play a crucial role in the recovery process by assisting with at-home exercises and ensuring consistent follow-up with healthcare providers. In severe cases or when conservative measures fail, doctors may recommend additional treatments. This may include manual therapy techniques or, rarely, surgical intervention to release the tightened muscles.

Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals ensures that the treatment plan is adjusted as needed to achieve optimal results. With timely and comprehensive care, most infants with congenital torticollis can achieve significant improvement in neck movement and alignment. This allows for normal growth and development without long-term complications.

If you would like to speak to one of our orthopedic specialists, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.