Twisted neck: insights into etiology and clinical outcomes of pediatric torticollis

Authors : Göksel Vatansever, Esra Çoruk, Nehir Üder, Miraç Yıldırım, Seda Kaynak Şahap, İhsan Özdemir, Emel Okulu

Pages : 1062-1072

Doi:10.17826/cumj.1785040

View : 102 | Download : 443

Publication Date : 2025-12-22

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of pediatric torticollis, to compare congenital and acquired cases, and to identify predictors of hospitalization in a tertiary care setting. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 370 pediatric patients diagnosed with torticollis between 2014 and 2024 in both emergency and outpatient clinics of a tertiary pediatric hospital. Data included demographics, presenting complaints, physical examination findings, imaging studies, etiology, treatment, and hospitalization outcomes. Results: The median age at presentation was 76.95 [IQR:33.37-128.46] months, with a slight male predominance. Acquired etiologies were the most common (93.2%), particularly trauma (78.0%) and infectious/inflammatory causes (17.7%), while congenital cases accounted for 6.8%. Infectious/inflammatory causes, especially retropharyngeal abscess and cervical lymphadenitis, represented the majority of admissions (68.3%). Among presenting complaints, fever and a history of trauma were significantly associated with hospitalization, while on physical examination, tenderness and restricted range of motion were significant predictors. Conclusion: This study highlights that acquired causes, particularly trauma and infectious etiologies, predominate in pediatric torticollis. Although most cases are benign, hospitalization is often warranted when systemic or red-flag symptoms are present. Careful clinical evaluation supported by appropriate imaging remains essential for early recognition and optimal management.
Keywords : tortikollis, pediatrik, konjenital tortikollis, edinsel tortikollis

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