An individually tailored program, modern equipment for procedures, and a caring approach to the little patient are the advantages offered by Top Ihilov Clinic. As one of the leading clinics in Israel, this clinic has gathered a unique team of pediatricians and orthopedists who are considered leading specialists in the treatment of various congenital pathologies, including muscular torticollis. Since this muscular deformity, if not diagnosed and treated in time, can lead to serious conditions that may even result in disability, the clinic begins therapy from the earliest age. A wide range of modern conservative methods is applied, which yield good results.
Doctors manage even complex cases that require surgical intervention. Operations are performed using gentle methods. Thousands of little patients have permanently rid themselves of the diagnosis of "congenital muscular torticollis" in Israel, and their parents' reviews confirm the high level of medical services provided. Top Ihilov has created comfortable accommodations for both the little ones and their parents, and the clinic's international department quickly resolves all organizational issues related to travel and stay in the country.
Treatment
In some cases, torticollis resolves on its own, so sometimes doctors prefer to monitor the dynamics of the child's condition. If it is observed that the thickening and hardening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle gradually subsides and it regains its elasticity, doctors do not take any therapeutic measures. In other cases, a comprehensive conservative approach is taken, which in the overwhelming majority of cases is successful. Regardless of the cause of the torticollis (birth trauma, fetal position during pregnancy, underdevelopment or lack of blood supply to the sternocleidomastoid muscle), therapy yields good results, freeing the child from the pathology. The choice of methodology largely depends on the severity of the pathology and the age of the patient.
Conservative Therapy. At an early age, it is generally possible to eliminate the pathology using only conservative methods. Even in the maternity hospital, when torticollis is suspected, it is recommended to lay the infant only on the healthy side, and during feeding, to hold them in a way that encourages them to turn towards the side where the underdeveloped sternocleidomastoid muscle is located. A special massage of the muscle is prescribed for the infant.
After the child is discharged from the maternity hospital, they need to undergo special gymnastics to stimulate the development of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and massage yields good effects. Among other effective methods, physiotherapy procedures using the "Solux" lamp stand out. Heating the muscle tissue promotes increased blood flow and accelerates metabolism, leading to the stimulation of the development of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
As the child grows a bit, from one and a half to two months of age, they can undergo sessions of electrophoresis with potassium iodide. The potassium iodide penetrates the muscle through the skin when galvanic current is applied to that area. The procedure is painless, and its effect lies in stimulating blood circulation and metabolism in the tissues, accelerating recovery processes. In some cases, wearing a Shantz collar (brace) is indicated. This collar fixes the necessary position of the neck, causing the muscle to gradually elongate. All these efforts lead to the resolution of torticollis in 82% of cases by the age of six months.
Surgery. However, in some rare cases, pronounced torticollis persists at the age of two years or older. Then, the pediatric orthopedist at Top Ihilov considers the possibility of surgical intervention. Before scheduling surgery, a panel of doctors analyzes the clinical case, and surgery is performed only when it is deemed the only chance to eliminate the torticollis. The surgery involves lengthening the underdeveloped muscle. For this, a small incision of a few centimeters is made on the neck, reaching the muscle's tendons, which are excised, resulting in its elongation. After the surgery, the little patient must wear a special fixing bandage. To consolidate the results, a course of physiotherapy and therapeutic gymnastics is conducted.
Diagnosis
It is critically important to diagnose torticollis in a timely manner, as its consequences can lead not only to a purely cosmetic defect but also to asymmetry of the skull, deformation of the collarbones, and spine. If the patient lives abroad and the parents doubt the competence of the local doctor, they can order a "second opinion" service, which is conducted remotely via Skype at Top Ihilov Clinic. Parents send electronic copies of the child's medical records and examination data. The pediatric orthopedist at Top Ihilov analyzes these materials and then, during the Skype consultation, expresses his opinion on the correctness or incorrectness of the diagnosis. He also offers the most suitable treatment plan and explains how the child can be treated in an Israeli clinic.
If the parents decide to start treatment at Top Ihilov Clinic, its international department assists in organizing the trip and creates a schedule for examinations and treatment. Diagnostic procedures at Top Ihilov take a minimum of time.
First Day
Immediately upon arrival and check-in, the parents and child go for a consultation with the pediatric orthopedist. The doctor conducts a visual examination to determine the presence of pathology. For those who have already used the "second opinion" service, the first consultation is organized free of charge.
Second Day
With a diagnosis of "torticollis," the following imaging methods are performed:
- X-ray
- Ultrasound of the cervical spine
If a decision is subsequently made to perform surgery, additional diagnostic methods may be prescribed.
Third Day
A panel of specialists for the treatment of congenital torticollis determines the most optimal treatment method.
Congenital Muscular Torticollis in Israel: Prices
Considering the effectiveness with which congenital muscular torticollis is treated in Israel, the cost of therapy is quite moderate: it is 30-50% lower than similar treatment in European countries or America.
Advantages of Treatment at Top Ihilov
- Experienced Orthopedists. The doctors at the clinic are rightly considered some of the best professionals in Israel, many of whom are known far beyond the country's borders.
- Individual Treatment Program. The choice of treatment tactics is always determined individually.
- Modern Techniques. Treatment is conducted according to the latest international protocols.
- No Visa Requirements. You can come with your child for treatment at any convenient time.
- Moderate Price. The cost is lower than in other countries with similarly developed healthcare.