Video Explanation: Congenital Torticollis – What Parents Need to Know

Congenital muscular torticollis is a condition affecting newborns, characterized by shortening or fibrosis of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), the large lateral neck muscle. This causes a characteristic position: head tilted to one side and rotated toward the opposite side. **When is it noticed?** It's generally identified in the first weeks of life, either by parents or during routine pediatric visits. In some cases, a palpable swelling in the muscle (fibromatosis colli) is present from birth, which tends to resolve in the first months. **Causes:** The causes aren't entirely clear. The most accepted theory is muscle distress during intrauterine life (constraining fetal position) or during delivery. This leads to fibrosis and shortening of the affected muscle. **The importance of early intervention:** Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Starting physical therapy within the first 3 months of life, over 90% of cases resolve completely without need for surgery. Late treatment can lead to facial asymmetry (plagiocephaly) and persistent difficulties. **What parents can do:** Besides exercises taught by the physical therapist, it's important to stimulate the baby to turn their head toward the "weak" side by positioning toys and stimuli on that side. Breastfeeding and sleeping can also be strategically organized. **When surgery is needed:** Only in a minority of cases (about 5-10%), when intensive physical therapy doesn't lead to significant improvement within 6-12 months, surgical lengthening of the muscle may be indicated.