How does the age of diagnosis affect outcomes in Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT)?

The prognosis for Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) significantly improves with early diagnosis and intervention. Early diagnosis allows for timely therapeutic measures, such as physical therapy, which can help in restoring normal muscle function and range of motion in the affected neck muscles. When treatment begins early, typically within the first few months of life, most infants show excellent recovery and improvement in their neck posture and mobility.

Children diagnosed later may face a more challenging treatment process. As the child grows, muscular and skeletal changes can lead to more pronounced asymmetries, potentially complicating treatment and requiring longer interventions or more intensive therapy. This can impact overall outcomes negatively, making early recognition and management critical for optimal results.

This understanding underscores the importance of screening for CMT in infants and highlights the key role of timely intervention in promoting better health outcomes associated with this condition.