Patient's question:
The child's head had to be turned to go to the hospital for a thorough examination. The preliminary diagnosis was torticollis. How should congenital muscular torticollis be treated?Doctor's answer:
Congenital muscular torticollis is characterized by the presence of a fibromatous tumor within the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which can be palpated as a lump at birth or within the first two weeks of life. The sternocleidomastoid muscle, from the clavicle to the sternum, undergoes a surgical procedure where a longitudinal incision of about 4 centimeters is made parallel to the clavicle above it, exposing the sternum and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The muscle is drilled through from the posterior aspect, stopped, and then cut, leaving a 2-centimeter segment intact to prevent postoperative adhesion on both sides. The scarred, contracted muscle and fascial bands are carefully examined for remnants. The procedure is performed with caution.