New Delhi: A four-year-old girl from Myanmar has undergone reconstructive surgery at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, to rectify a congenital neck deformity that caused her head to tilt to one side.She was diagnosed with congenital torticollis, a condition in which a shortened or contracted neck muscle affects the ability to position the head.Her family became increasingly concerned about the deformity and its social impact. The child reportedly faced ridicule over her appearance.Congenital muscular torticollis is estimated to affect around 0.3% to 1.9% of newborns, although the rates vary across studies and populations.Her case was first identified in May 2026, when a visiting medical team evaluated the child in Myanmar. Following a remote consultation involving photographs and the child’s medical history, the family travelled to India for surgery.During the procedure, doctors released the contracted muscle on the right side of the child’s neck at both its upper and lower attachments, allowing her head and neck to return to a more natural alignment.“Congenital conditions that affect a child’s posture, facial appearance or physical function require careful evaluation as their impact can extend beyond the visible deformity. Depending on its severity and the child’s age, treatment may range from physiotherapy and stretching exercises to surgery, when the muscle contracture persists,” said Dr Sunil Choudhary, chairman and chief of plastic surgery.He added that a timely assessment was important because a persistent head tilt could contribute to facial asymmetry and affect a child’s development.The child recovered well after surgery and was discharged following the initial healing period. She returned to Myanmar after 10 days of recovery.
