Clinical, radiological, and epidemiological characterization of children with sequelae of congenital muscular torticollis

Abstract

Introduction: sequelae of congenital muscular torticollis in children have a wide spectrum, some of which, set already, may require complex and costly surgical corrections. Objective: to characterize the sequelae of congenital muscular torticollis according to clinical, radiological, and epidemiological elements in children attended in Santiago de Cuba from 2017 to 2020. Method: prospective-analytical case-control study in 112 children with this disease, separated in cases (24 children) and controls (88 children). Data processing involved frequency analysis, calculation of chi-square, identification of factors associated with dependent variable, calculation of the p-value and OR. Results: the male population predominated in cases (70.8%) and controls (68.2%), with a statistical association between age ≥ 6 months at diagnosis and the presence of complications (OR: 2.4-20.4; p=0.00). There was a statistical association between macrosomia at birth and the presence of complications in 25.0 % of cases and 11.4 % of controls (OR: 1.9-12.5; p=0.02). There was a statistical association between late initiation of rehabilitation treatment and complications (OR: 2.86-21.3; p=0.00). Conclusions: a predominance of organic complications or comorbidities was observed in males, with a significant increase of sequelae in this group and also when medical treatment is started after 6 months of age. The most frequent complications were facial asymmetry, plagiocephaly and association of two or more sequelae.

Keywords

• tortícolis muscular congénita
• secuelas orgánicas
• tratamiento rehabilitador precoz
• distonía cervical