ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL-TREATMENT FOR CONGENITAL MUSCULAR TORTICOLLIS

Muscular torticollis, if untreated, may result in significant permanen t craniofacial deformities. Surgical release of the sternocleidomastoi d muscle is recommended for patients who fail to respond to physical t herapy. Current surgical techniques all leave noticeable scars, and pr ovide limited exposure. These limitations make complete muscular relea se and visualization of the spinal accessory nerve difficult. We have applied a new technique of endoscopic release of the sternocleidomasto id muscle in 12 infants and children ages 4 to 18 months and one adole scent with muscular torticollis. Complete muscular release was achieve d in all patients with one minor complication. The spinal accessory ne rve was preserved in all cases. Our endoscopic approach allows precise division of the muscle fibers and preservation of neurovascular struc tures, leaving an inconspicuous scar in the scalp.