Abstract
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.
Keywords
torticollis - neck muscles - surgical procedures - operative - scoliosis
