Wry Neck

Congenital Muscular Torticollis

Wry Neck is an abnormal positioning of the head.

Head positioned in the characteristic fashion:

1. The head is tilted toward the affected side.

2. The chin is turned away from the affected side.

3. Because of this, the child appears to be looking up and to the side; the child looks away from the side that is affected by the problem.

4. Parents commonly detect that a baby will not look in one particular direction.

Neck mass on the affected side:

1. The mass is commonly first noticed shortly after birth, but sometimes may not be found until some weeks after birth, when the infant's neck begins to lengthen.

2. The mass is rigid and not tender, and increases in bulk for numerous weeks, then begins to gradually dissolve over several months.

Vaguely more usual in males than in females

About 10% of babies with Congenital Muscular Torticollis also have a family member with torticollis.