What is Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) characterized by?

Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) is characterized specifically by the unilateral shortening of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles, leading to an ipsilateral head tilt. Essentially, this means that if one side of the SCM muscle is shortened, the head tilts toward that side. The opposite SCM muscle remains lengthened, allowing for the rotation of the head to the opposite side. This posture is evident in infants, where they may prefer to look in one direction due to the tightness of the muscles on the affected side.

Recognizing this condition is critical in pediatric assessments, as it can affect the child's development and posture if left untreated. Proper early interventions, such as physical therapy, can help in managing the condition effectively by addressing muscle tightness and promoting normal head positioning.