Effect of minimally invasive sternocleidomastoid release on muscle regeneration in children with congenital muscular torticollis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive small-incision sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle release in the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) in children and its regulatory effect on abnormal regeneration of the SCM muscle.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 178 children with CMT who underwent minimally invasive small-incision SCM release at Qinghai Provincial Women and Children's Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024. All children completed a 12-month follow-up. Clinical efficacy scores, SCM muscle thickness, and echogenicity were measured preoperatively, 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The excellent and good rate of clinical efficacy was statistically analyzed, and changes in ultrasound indicators and postoperative complication rate were statistically analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of the surgery.

RESULTS

The total clinical efficacy score at each postoperative time point was significantly higher than that before surgery (P<0.001), with the excellent efficacy rate reaching 77.53% at 12 months postoperatively. The thickness and echogenicity of the SCM muscle showed a continuous downward trend at each postoperative time point, compared with preoperative values (all P<0.001). Ten mild complications occurred postoperatively, with a total complication rate of 5.62%. All symptoms were relieved after symptomatic treatment, and no serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive small-incision SCM release is clinically effective in the treatment of children with CMT. It can effectively improve cervical motor function and craniofacial appearance, inhibit abnormal SCM muscle regeneration, and has high safety and few complications. For children with CMT who fail to respond to conservative treatment, this procedure is an ideal surgical treatment option and has good clinical application value.