Congenital bilateral sternocleidomastoid contracture: a case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Medicine
• Anatomy

Background:

• Unilateral sternocleidomastoid muscle contracture is a recognized cause of congenital muscular torticollis.
• Secondary deformities like plagiocephaly and facial scoliosis are common sequelae.
• The etiology and pathogenesis of sternocleidomastoid contracture remain incompletely understood.

Observation:

• Bilateral sternocleidomastoid contracture is exceptionally rare, with no documented cases in existing English literature.
• This report presents a unique case of congenital bilateral sternocleidomastoid contracture.
• The patient is a 19-year-old female with this rare condition.

Findings:

• The case highlights the potential for bilateral presentation of sternocleidomastoid contracture.
• This finding expands the known spectrum of sternocleidomastoid muscle contracture.
• Congenital bilateral sternocleidomastoid contracture is a previously unreported clinical entity.

Implications:

• This case may prompt further investigation into the underlying causes of bilateral sternocleidomastoid contracture.
• It could influence diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for rare forms of torticollis.
• Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and prevalence of this rare condition.