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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
14:59

Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Published on: October 14, 2022

Torticollis as a late complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery

Gurpreet Singh1, Mohammad Kaif, Bal Krishna Ojha

  • 1Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA.

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience : Official Journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
|April 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Ventriculoperitoneal shunts can cause torticollis in children due to material aging and mechanical stress. This case report details a 14-year-old boy whose torticollis resolved after removing the aged shunt.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are crucial for managing hydrocephalus, particularly in children.
  • Aging of shunt materials and mechanical forces can lead to complications.
  • Torticollis is a rare but significant complication associated with VP shunts.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old male presented with torticollis as a late complication 12 years post-VP shunt placement for aqueductal stenosis.
  • The patient had a left-sided VP shunt.
  • Physical examination revealed tethering of the shunt tube and a surrounding fibrocalcified band.

Findings:

  • The study discusses the pathophysiological mechanisms of VP shunt material aging and mechanical stress leading to torticollis.
  • Biomechanical dysfunction of the shunt material caused tethering at the neck, a highly mobile area in a growing child.
  • Surgical removal of the shunt tube and fibrocalcified band resulted in complete resolution of the torticollis.

Implications:

  • This is the first reported case of torticollis as a complication of VP shunt material aging and mechanical traction.
  • Highlights the importance of considering shunt biomechanics in pediatric patients with neurological conditions.
  • Suggests potential for novel interventions or material improvements to prevent such late-onset complications.

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