Lateral cervical approach for the correction of webbed neck deformity

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Genetics

Background:

• Congenital webbed neck is a condition characterized by excess skin folds on the sides of the neck.
• It can affect appearance and may be associated with genetic syndromes, though this case presented without other anomalies.
• Surgical correction is often sought for cosmetic reasons in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the successful surgical correction of a bilateral webbed neck in a young girl.
• To highlight the effectiveness of the lateral cervical approach for this condition.
• To document the cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A clinical assessment of the webbed neck, including physical examination and range of motion.
• Pre-operative evaluations: karyotype (46,XX), echocardiography, thyroid profile, abdominal sonogram, and non-contrast CT scan.
• Surgical correction using the lateral cervical approach.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with bilateral webbed neck, soft, non-tender, with normal neck mobility and no associated health issues.
• Pre-operative investigations revealed no significant abnormalities.
• The lateral cervical approach resulted in a satisfactory cosmetic outcome post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Surgical correction of congenital webbed neck is feasible and effective in improving cosmetic appearance.
• The lateral cervical approach is a suitable method for correcting webbed neck deformities.
• Early intervention can address parental concerns regarding a child's appearance.