Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content +++ Key Features ++ Occasionally associated with congenital deformities of the cervical spine Radiographs of the spine are indicated in most cases where such anomalies are suspected There is a 15–20% incidence of associated hip dysplasia +++ Clinical Findings ++ Injury to the sternocleidomastoid muscle during delivery or disease affecting the cervical spine in infancy, such as congenital vertebral anomalies When contracture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle causes torticollis, the chin is rotated to the side opposite of the affected muscle, causing the head to tilt toward the side of the contracture A mass felt in the midportion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in a newborn is likely a hematoma or developmental fibroma, rather than a true tumor. Acute torticollis may follow upper respiratory infection or mild trauma in children +++ Diagnosis ++ CT scan is required for accurate assessment of rotatory subluxation of the upper cervical spine Other causes of torticollis include spinal cord and cerebellar tumors, syringomyelia, and rheumatoid arthritis +++ Treatment ++ If left untreated in early infancy, a striking facial asymmetry can persist Passive stretching is an effective treatment in up to 97% of all cases If the deformity does not correct with passive stretching during the first year of life, surgical release of the muscle origin and insertion can be an effective treatment option Excising the "tumor" of the sternocleidomastoid muscle is unnecessary and creates an unsightly scar For acquired torticollis in childhood, traction or a cervical collar usually results in resolution of the symptoms within 1 or 2 days Your MyAccess profile is currently affiliated with '[InstitutionA]' and is in the process of switching affiliations to '[InstitutionB]'. Please click ‘Continue’ to continue the affiliation switch, otherwise click ‘Cancel’ to cancel signing in. Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Forgot Username? Forgot Password? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth