The condition of the neck being tilted or twisted is called torticollis. While it may be congenital it can be acquired later. The most frequent type of congenital torticollis is “congenital muscular torticollis”.

Congenital muscular torticollis is seen once or twice each 100 live birth. Its frequency increases in breech delivery. While its reasons are not fully known, there’s familiar predisposition.

Children with congenital muscular torticollis, can also have metatarsus adductus, i.e.; congenital curve in metatarsus, developmental hip dysplasia (congenital hip dislocation), pes equinovarus (congenital clubfoot) and anomalies in neck spines.

Torticollis is detected in babies in the first week of birth by the doctor or the parents. These babies tend to hold their head tilted to one side. Movement to the other side is very limited. A hard swelling on the side opposite of the side the neck is tilted by hand examination. This hardness disappears at the end of first age. Severe cases may be accompanied by asymmetry in the face.

Congenital muscular torticollis can heal by itself in neonates. Cases that extend to later ages may lead to spinal, facial and other deformities if not treated. Extension exercises done during neonatal period are beneficial. This treatment takes approximately 4 and 5 months. Surgical treatment is used when this treatment fails. It has been proven that head, face and neck deformities that may occur during the waiting period can regress after the surgery.

Contents of the page are for information purposes only, you must consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.