Congenital torticollis

Congenital torticollis is a neck deformity that involves shortening of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle resulting in limited neck rotation and lateral flexion.

Infants tilt their head towards the side of the shortened muscle and rotate to the contralateral side.

Plagiocephaly and craniofacial deformities can be associated with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and can perpetuate one another.

Developmental hip dysplasia can be associated with CMT.

It is important to rule out non-muscular causes such as ocular, vertebral, and neurological.

Treatment includes carer education on positioning and physiotherapy; botulinum toxin type A injections or surgery are reserved for recalcitrant cases.

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a neck deformity that involves shortening of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle resulting in limited neck rotation and lateral flexion. This results in a head tilt to the affected side and rotation to the contralateral side.