Abstract

Torticollis refers to the congenital deformity caused due to shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The treatment of such a condition is usually surgical. It involves a bipolar release of the contracted muscle. Ferkel modified the bipolar release with a Z lengthening, thus maintaining the continuity of the muscle and preserving the ‘V’ contour of the neck. The aim of this paper is to highlight this modified bipolar release. Fourteen patients with a mean age of 9.6 ± 6.9 years were treated for congenital torticollis with modified bipolar release. There was improvement in head tilt and chin deviation in all patients. This small additional step during the surgical release helps to improve the aesthetic appearance postoperatively. Craniofacial asymmetry improves even if surgery is delayed.