Summary

• Neck deformity that involves shortening of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle resulting in limited neck rotation and lateral flexion.
• Infants tilt their head toward the side of the shortened muscle and rotate to the contra-lateral side.
• Plagiocephaly and craniofacial deformities can be associated with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and can perpetuate one another.
• Developmental hip dysplasia can be associated with CMT.
• It is important to rule out non-muscular causes such as ocular, vertebral, and neurological.
• Treatment includes carer education on positioning and physiotherapy; botulinum toxin type A injections or surgery are reserved for recalcitrant cases.