What is the most common cause of acquired torticollis in children?

The most common cause of acquired torticollis in children is indeed upper respiratory infections (URIs). Torticollis, characterized by an abnormal positioning of the head and neck, can arise from various conditions, but in pediatric populations, a URI often leads to inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes. When these nodes become swollen, particularly the sternocleidomastoid muscle, they can result in muscle stiffness and pain, causing the child to tilt their head.

While cervical lymphadenitis is closely related since it is the inflammation of the lymph nodes, URIs are more prevalent as a starting point that can lead to this complication. Additionally, while minor trauma and retropharyngeal abscesses can cause torticollis, they are less commonly encountered causes compared to URIs. This makes URIs a significant contributor to cases of acquired torticollis in young children, aligning with clinical observations and studies highlighting respiratory infections as a frequent precursor.