A Rare Case of Neglected Congenital Muscular Torticollis in an Adult and Review of Literature

Abstract

Aim: We report a rare case of congenital muscular torticollis in an adult and review most of the different treatment approaches reported by authors. Presentation of Case: A 25 year old woman who underwent an unsuccessful surgery for her congenital torticollis in the childhood, presented to our department for the same problem. We performed a unipolar release of the sternocleidomastoid muscle with a large dissection and a resection of a fibrous part of the clavicular head followed by a muscular rehabilitation. Result was satisfactory with an 18 month follow-up. Discussion: Congenital muscular torticollis is rarely seen in adults. There are almost as many treatment protocols for congenital muscular torticollis as authors, with unequal outcomes. Surgical treatments give the best results in adults. We review most of the treatment protocols described in the literature. Conclusion: As surgeons, we have to deal with every special situation in the aim of respecting the integrity of healthy tissues and providing the best care for good functional and cosmetic outcome.