[An asymmetrical face due to torticollis in two young children]

Abstract

In 2 girls, 4 years and 8 months of age, respectively, torticollis had been diagnosed a few weeks after birth. Kinesiotherapy, given for a period of 1 year and 6 months, respectively, had little effect. Both girls were then referred to the Orthopaedic Outpatient Clinic where a shortened sternocleidomastoid muscle and an asymmetrical face were diagnosed. The shortened muscle was cleaved surgically. Over half a year later, the face of the older child was still asymmetrical but that of the younger child symmetric. It is recommended that children with torticollis due to a shortened sternocleidomastoid muscle first be given stretch exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist. If the result at the age of 1 year is unsatisfactory, an orthopaedic surgeon can then cleave the muscle.