Hematoma of the sternomastoid muscle detected in a 16 days old infant requires:

Sternomastoid tumour/Hematoma Presents at about 7-10 days after birth Situated at the junction of upper and middle third of the muscle Etiology: rupture of sternocleidomastoid muscle fibres and blood vessels, due to: – hematoma and cicatricial contracture – Difficult breech delivery – Attempted delivery after shoulder dystocia – Excessive lateral flexion of neck following normal delivery. Clinical features: Transient torticollis Treatment: – No treatment required, disappears spontaneously by 6 months of age – Gentle movements and stretching of muscle done after feeds is useful – Do not massage.