Year: 2026 | Month: January | Volume: 16 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 270-274
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260131
Clinical Outcomes of Bipolar Release in Patients with Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A Prospective Study
BN Pavan Kumar1, Kantesh L Yallapur2, Sundaresh K3
1Assistant Professor, Dept. of Orthopaedics, BMCRC, Ballari, Karnataka.
2Associate Professor, Dept. of Orthopaedics, BMCRC, Ballari, Karnataka.
3Associate Professor, Dept. of Orthopaedics, BMCRC, Ballari, Karnataka.
Corresponding Author: Dr. BN Pavan Kumar
ABSTRACT
Background: Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) results from unilateral fibrosis of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, leading to neck deformity. While surgical outcomes are favorable in young children, the effectiveness of bipolar release in older patients remains debated.
Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics, BMCRC, Ballari, India, between January 2022 and December 2024. 20 patients (8-14 years) with unresolved CMT despite ≥6 months of conservative treatment were enrolled. Bipolar SCM release was performed. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months using Cheng’s clinical scoring system. Data were analyzed with SPSS v25.0 using paired t-tests.
Results: Mean age was 11 ± 3 years; 12 (60%) were male. Right-sided involvement was more common (60%). Cervical rotation improved from 45.3° ± 8.1° to 78.6° ± 7.4° (p < 0.01). Lateral bending improved from 25.2° ± 6.2° to 52.1° ± 5.8° (p < 0.01). Mean Cheng’s score improved from 6.8 ± 0.7 to 12.5 ± 1.1 (p < 0.001). Outcomes were Excellent (40%), Good (40%), and Fair (20%).
Conclusion: Bipolar release in patients with persistent CMT provides significant functional and cosmetic improvement with low complication rates. Even late surgical intervention can yield favorable outcomes.
Key words: Congenital muscular torticollis, Bipolar release, Sternocleidomastoid, Cheng’s criteria, Prospective study