• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.191-196
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• 2020

Objective: Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a disease with abnormal head and neck posture in infants. It affects the child's movement and development and can lead to complications. Therefore, this study aims to find out what factors influence the rehabilitation treatment duration of infants with CMT. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The subjects were 63 infants under 90 days of age who were diagnosed with CMT. Age, thickness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) on the affected and non-affected side, head tilt angle, and head rotation angle of the affected head in infants were collected. The ratio of muscle thickness was calculated from the thickness of the affected SCM and the thickness of the non-affected SCM (A/N ratio). All subjects underwent conservative physical therapy twice a week for 30 minutes, and the end of the treatment was when the angle of head tilt was normal or less than 5 degrees, and the treatment duration was calculated. Results: Age, thickness of affected SCM, and head tilt were significantly correlated with treatment duration (p<0.05). The thickness of the non-affected SCM, A/N ratio, and head rotation angle did not show any correlation with treatment duration. The factors affecting the treatment duration were head tilt and age, showing 21% explanatory power of adjusted R². Conclusions: The main factors affecting the treatment duration of infants with CMT are head tilt and age. Therefore, more attention should be directed to the infant's head tilt and age for effective physical therapy of infants with CMT.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.82-88
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• 2017

Objective : We assessed the surgical results of bipolar release in 31 adult patients with uncorrected congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and more than 12 months of follow-up. Methods : Thirty-one patients underwent a bipolar release of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and were retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 14.9 months (range, 12-30). The mean age at time of surgery was 30.3 years (range, 20-54). Patients were evaluated with a modified Lee's scoring system, cervicomandibular angle (CMA) measurement, and a global satisfaction rating scale using patient self-reporting. Results : The modified Lee's scoring system indicated excellent results in 4 (12.9%) patients, good in 18 (58.1%), and fair in 9 (29.0%) at the last follow-up after surgery. The improvements in neck movement and head tilt were statistically significant (p<0.05). The preoperative mean CMA was $15.4^{\circ}$ (range, 5.4-29.0), which was reduced to a mean of CMA of $6.3^{\circ}$ (range, 0-25) after surgery (p<0.05). The global satisfaction rating scale was 93.7% (range, 90-100). A transient sensory deficit on the ipsilateral lower ear lobe was noted in three cases. No significant permanent complications occurred. Conclusion : Bipolar release of the SCM is a safe and reliable technique for the treatment of CMT in adults.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.388-395
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• 1996

Congenital muscular torticollis(CMT) is a disorder characterized by shortening of at least one of the cervical muscles and tilting of the head to opposite side. The most commonly affected muscle is the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Pathogenesis and etiology of congenital muscular torticollis were not clearly identified, but considered as fetal malposition, birth trauma, vascular accident, heredity, infection and CNS pathology. Untreated congenital muscular torticollis often causes facial asymmetry and This is the rasult of tensional rotation of the face toward affected side. So early treatment may prevent facial and neck asymmetry and limitation of neck movement. There are many treatment methods in CMT, including conservative and operative method, but presently Bipolar release and Z-Plasty of SCM muscle has been introduced when the conservative treatment had failed. The benefits of this method are to preservation of the normal Neck V-contour and improvement of the neck motion. We treated CMT using Bipolar release and Z-plasty in two patients. After that the patients improved on the range of neck motion and maintained the normal V-conture of the neck, so we report two cases of CMT with literatures.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.414-420
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• 2019

Background Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is characterized by persistent head tilt toward the affected side. No consensus exists regarding the cause of this disorder. In this study, we analyzed various clinical factors in patients with CMT who were treated with surgical release. This analysis enabled us to identify potential causative factors of CMT and to establish a basis for surgical interventions. Methods In total, 584 patients who underwent surgical intervention for CMT from October 2007 to December 2016 were included in this study. Their demographic characteristics, birthrelated factors, and clinical features were analyzed. Results Data from 525 patients were analyzed in this study after exclusion of those with insufficient information. Before birth, 31 patients (5.9%) were diagnosed with oligohydramnios, and 87 (16.6%) had a breech presentation. Seven (1.3%) cases of clavicle fracture and two (0.4%) cases of cephalohematoma were noted at birth. Before surgery, 397 patients (75.6%) underwent physiotherapy and 128 patients (24.4%) did not. The duration of physiotherapy ranged from 1 to 50 months (average, 6 months). Conclusions Our study shows that 16.6% of the CMT patients presented in the breech position, which is a much higher rate than that observed in the general population (3%-4%). We hypothesize that being in the breech position as a fetus appears to exert a significant influence on shortening and fibrosis of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.72-79
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• 2024

Background Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common musculoskeletal disorder in children. Secondary scoliosis can occur in patients with CMT; however, the extent of inclination and improvement of scoliosis after surgical correction of CMT have not been adequately studied. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and measure the improvement in vertebral tilting after surgical correction according to age at the time of surgery. Methods Between June 2007 and January 2020, 831 patients with CMT underwent sternocleidomastoid release. Among them, 426 patients were enrolled, and their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Ultimately, 210 patients available for radiological evaluation and analysis were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into four groups according to age at the time of surgery to determine the relationship between age and changes in scoliosis. Results Our findings showed an improvement in scoliosis in all age groups after surgery. The results for follow-up after 1 year confirmed long-term improvement in vertebral tilting. The degree of improvement in scoliosis was significantly higher in the younger age group than in patients aged 18 years or older. Conclusion The effect of surgical release on scoliosis was significant in all age groups. The findings of this study suggest that CMT should be corrected before the age of 3 years to ensure an optimal surgical mitigation of scoliosis. Furthermore, in cases of neglected CMT, surgical release should be actively attempted because there is significant improvement.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.863-870
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• 1996

The 46 patients were investigated with the congenital infant muscular torticollis referred Dept. of physical therapy in Dong San Medical Center from January in 1995 to January in 1996. 1. The ratio between males and females was scaled to 1.5 : 1.23 cases(50.0 %) were involved with left side and 22 cases(47.8 %) involved with right side, and one case was of bilaterality. 2. Sequence of birth, the first bone babys were the most distributed with 34cases(73.9 %), the second bone babys were followed with 11cases(23.9 %). 3. There were normal deliveries 60.8 %, Cearean section deliveries 23.9 %, difficulty deliveries .0 % and breech presentation was 2.2 %. 4. The case of cephalic asymmetry consisted 60.0 % of all congenital torticollis and most frequently found at the age of all $5\sim8$ weeks(45.7 %). In 26.1 % of all congenital torticollis cases, facial asymmetry was found and these cases were most frequently in the age of $5\sim8$ weeks(26.1 %), also in the age group of $9\sim12$ weeks and $17\sim20$ weeks consecutively(each 3 %).(P<0.05) 5. The duration of therapy required differently according to the severity of the torticollis, in mild cases, it took $1\sim2$ weeks cases(30.4 %) revealed high therapeutic effect in 54.3 % of the cases. In moderately involved cases(30.4 %), therapy required $3\sim4$ weeks in 13 % of the cases showed improvements. In the most severely involved cases, (7 %) it took more than $9\sim10$ weeks of therapy and showed improvement in 6.5 % only.(P<0.005) 6. The result of this study showed the best therapeutic effects were noticed in the mild cases of congenital torticollis(24 cases 45.6 %) and excellent improvement in moderately involved cases (28.1 %) and 13.1 % of the most severely involved cases(P<0.05).

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.241-247
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• 2007

Purpose : Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is a common and benign congenital disorder of the musculoskeletal system in neonates and infants. The pathophysiology is that the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is shortened on the involved side by fibrosis, leading to ipsilateral tilt and contralateral rotation of the face and chin. In this study, we investigated the clinical features of CMT, the role of ultrasonography (USG) in prediction of prognoses and the clinical significance of early detection and treatment. Methods : Forty seven patients (M:F=31:16) were diagnosed as a CMT between March 2003 and May 2006. We reviewed age at diagnosis, physical findings, USG findings, treatment and therapeutic outcome from their medical records. Results : The median age at diagnosis was 90 days (18 days-9 years, 7 months) and the right side of neck was affected in more patients (right : left=26:21). Of 24 patients with a palpable neck mass, 21 had USG; 19 cases showed sternocleidomastoid tumor (SMT). In cases with no neck mass, USG was performed in 11 patients; seven had postural torticollis (POST), three had SMT and one had muscular torticollis (MT). Among 40 patients with follow-up, 36 had total resolution. There was negative correlation between the age at diagnosis and the recovery time, whereas the final outcome was not correlated with USG findings. However, the patients without positive findings in USG had earlier resolution (1 month vs 2.6 months, P=0.0008). The patients with SMT had earlier diagnosis and excellent outcomes. The patients with MT were delayed to diagnosis and had the longest time to resolve. Lastly, the patients with POST had delayed diagnoses, but they had excellent outcomes. Conclusion : Since the patients with delayed diagnoses, in despite of benign courses, may take a long time to resolve and rarely need surgical treatment, it is important to diagnose and treat early. This study showed that USG findings of the SCM may be used as predictive factors.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.80-86
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• 2020

Positional plagiocephaly is increasing in infants. Positional plagiocephaly is an asymmetric deformation of skull due to various reasons; first birth, assisted labor, multiple pregnancy, prematurity, congenital muscular torticollis and position of head. Positional plagiocephaly can mostly be diagnosed clinically and by physical examinations. The simplest way to assess the severity of plagiocephaly is to use a diagonal caliper during physical examination, which measures the difference between the diagonal lengths on each side of the head. Plagiocephaly can be treated surgically or conservatively. Positional plagiocephaly, which is not accompanied by craniosynostosis, is treated conservatively. Conservative treatments involve a variety of treatments, such as change of positions, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and helmet therapy. Systematic approaches to clinical examination, diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephaly can be necessary and the age-appropriate treatment is recommended for patients with positional plagiocephaly.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.11
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• pp.1273-1278
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• 2009

Purpose:Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), a common musculoskeletal disorder in infants, is characterized by the rotation and flexion deformity of the neck caused by sternocleidomastoid muscle shortening. We investigated the clinical courses and perinatal risk factors of CMT. Methods:Less than 6-month-old patients (98; M:F = 60:38) diagnosed with CMT between February 2007 and August 2008 were classified into 2 clinical subgroups, namely, SMT (sternocleidomastoid tumor) and POST (postural torticollis). All the patients were physically and neurologically examined prospectively and their cervical X-rays and ultrasonographies were obtained. Their medical histories about perinatal problems were recorded. Of the 98 patients, 45 with normal range of motion were taught passive physical exercises and 43 were referred to the Department of Rehabilitation for undergoing manual stretching therapy. Results:The mean age at initial assessment was 2.2 months (SMT: $1.4{\pm}1.0$, POST: $2.7{\pm}1.6$). SMT presented earlier than POST. All ophthalmologic examinations and cervical X-rays were normal. SMT was associated with higher incidence of caput succedaneum and cephalhematoma. POST was highly associated with plagiocephaly. Mean duration of rehabilitative physical therapy was 3.7 months (SMT: $4.6{\pm}2.5$, POST: $2.6{\pm}1.9$). POST resolved earlier than SMT. Of the 88 patients with follow-up, 87 had total resolution and only 1 had residual torticollis. Conclusion:All the patients received early treatment with passive stretching exercises. CMT was associated with perinatal problems and had various risk factors such as obstetrical problems.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.1-8
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• 2013

연구목적 : 본 연구의 목적은 선천성 사경을 가진 22명의 유아에 대해 임상적 양상과 물리치료 만족도 및 사경의 요인을 알아보는 것이다. 연구방법 : 설문지를 통해 유아의 성별과 연령분포, 사경의 요인, 사경의 관리, 사경의 물리치료를 조사하였다. 연구결과 : 1. 환자의 성별 및 연령분포는 남자아이가 9명(41%), 여자아이가 13(59%) 이었고, 연령분포는 1~4개월이 5명(22.7%), 5~8개월이 6명(27.3%), 9~12개월이 4명(18.2%), 그리고 1년 이상은 7명(31.8%) 이었다. 2. 사경의 정도는 경도가 3명(13.6%), 중등도 3명(13.6%), 중증 16명(72.8%) 이었고, 사경의 분만요인으로 정상분만 12명(54.5%), 재왕절개분만 8명(36.4%), 그리고 둔위분만 2명(9.1%)으로 나타났다. 산모의 건강상태에 따른 요인은 매우 양호 7명(31.9%), 양호 11명(50%), 약함 3명(13.6%), 그리고 매우 약함 1명(4.5%) 이었다. 사경의 요인으로 분석된 가족력, 임신, 분만 사이에는 특별한 관련성은 없었다. 3. 사경 환자가 물리치료를 받는 횟수는 매일 치료 9명(40.9%), 일주일에 2~3회 12명(54.5%) 이었고 물리치료에 대한 만족도는 매우 우수 4명(18.2%), 우수 15명(68.2%), 보통 3명(13.6%)로 나타났다. 결론 : 이러한 결과를 통해 물리치료가 선천성 사경에 매우 효과적이었다.