Does a 2-Year-Old with Torticollis Need Surgery?

Question

After my child was one month old, a lump was found on the left side of his neck. It was later diagnosed as torticollis. After 5 months of massage therapy, there has been some improvement, but there is still a slight tilt. The baby is now over 2 years old, and the massage therapy has not been effective. I am asking whether surgery is needed and if there will be any postoperative complications. I am worried about the pain and uncertainty of surgery, but I am also concerned that massage therapy may not completely correct the condition.

Answer

Surgical correction is the most effective method for treating torticollis, with simple procedures and significant results. Although massage therapy can help improve torticollis, for babies with obvious symptoms, surgical treatment may be a better option. Currently, the recommended surgical procedure is a sternocleidomastoid muscle division, which is a minor operation and usually does not have complications. Based on the baby’s current condition, it is suggested to undergo surgery as soon as possible.