This study was conducted to evaluate the results and usefulness of the unipolar release of sternocleidomastoideus for the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis in children.

From March 1991 to March 1999, we retrospectively reviewed and analyzed 19 congenital muscular torticollis patients who were treated by the unipolar release of sternocleidomastoideus. Patients were followed for an average of 4.3 (range, 1.3 to 9.3) years. Clinical results were evaluated cosmetically and functionally, in a manner similar to that used by Canale et al.

Of the 19 cases, 15 patients (79%) were good, 4 (21%) poor, and none were fair in the initial operation. Overall results were 79% good after initial operation and 89% good including after reoperating upon 2 cases.

Simple unipolar release of sternocleidomastoideus in congenital muscular torticollis showed high rate of success (79%). Therefore, we considered it to be an effective primary surgical procedure for the treatment of congenital muscular torticollis.