El pediatra y los padres en la toma de decisiones de tratamiento en plagiocefalia posicional: una revisión narrativa / The pediatrician and parents in treatment decision-making in positional plagiocephaly: A narrative review

La plagiocefalia posicional (PP) es una de las causas más frecuentes de consulta en neurocirugía pediátrica. La incidencia de PP aumentó en los '90, a partir de la campaña Dormir de espaldas. Junto con el aumento de la demanda de atención, se verifica un debate acerca de la eficacia de los distintos tratamientos. La interacción padres ­ pediatra orientada a elegir la mejor terapéutica adquiere importancia, particularmente cuando se trata de decisiones sensibles a la preferencia. Es necesario saber más acerca de la naturaleza de la toma de decisiones de tratamiento de PP, para contribuir al desarrollo de procesos decisorios eficaces. Se realizó una revisión narrativa sobre investigaciones en toma de decisiones de tratamiento en PP. Se identificaron artículos en PubMed y Google Scholar (1990 ­ 2022) en una búsqueda con los descriptores "plagiocephaly", "decision making" y "parents". Se incluyeron artículos cuyo tema central fuera la toma de decisiones en PP, o que la desarrollaran como parte de otro tema. Se excluyeron trabajos en los que la toma de decisiones aparece de modo secundario o tangencial. Se encontraron 3 artículos con distintos diseños metodológicos, en los que la severidad de la presentación, los elementos socioculturales y emocionales, y los aspectos relacionados con el tratamiento son los factores más implicados en la toma de decisiones. Las relaciones entre la ansiedad parental, las expectativas de tratamiento y la percepción subjetiva de la PP, y el rol del pediatra como proveedor de información válida y confiable son temas que necesitan de ulterior investigación (AU)

Positional plagiocephaly (PP) is one of the main reasons for consultation in pediatric neurosurgery. The incidence of PP increased in the 1990s, after the "Back to Sleep" campaign. Concurrently, the growing demand for care has led to a debate regarding the effectiveness of the different treatments. The parent-pediatrician interaction is aimed at choosing the best therapeutic approach becomes important, particularly when it comes to preference-sensitive decisions. There is a need to better understand the nature of PP treatment decision-making in order to contribute to the development of effective decisionmaking processes. In this narrative review, we evaluated the research on treatment decision-making in PP. Articles were identified in PubMed and Google Scholar (1990 - 2022) using the search terms "plagiocephaly", "decision-making" and "parents". Articles were included if their central theme was decision-making in PP, or if they developed it as part of another subject. We excluded articles in which decision-making appeared in a secondary or tangential way. Three articles were identified with different methodological designs, in which the severity of the presentation, sociocultural and emotional aspects, and aspects related to treatment were the factors most implicated in decision making. The relationships between parental anxiety, treatment expectations, subjective perception of PP, and the role of the pediatrician as a provider of valuable and reliable information are topics that require further investigation (AU)

Follow-up and prognostic study of infants with positional plagiocephaly / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the effects of infantile positional plagiocephaly on the growth and neural development.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was conducted on the medical data of 467 children who underwent craniographic examination and were followed up to 3 years of age in Peking University Third Hospital from June 2018 to May 2022. They were divided into four groups: mild positional plagiocephaly (n=108), moderate positional plagiocephaly (n=49), severe positional plagiocephaly (n=12), and normal cranial shape (n=298). The general information of the four groups and the weight, length, head circumference, visual acuity screening results, hearing test results, and the scores of Pediatric Neuropsychological Developmental Scales/Gesell Developmental Schedules of the four groups from 6 to 36 months old were compared.@*RESULTS@#The rates of adverse perinatal factors, congenital muscular torticollis, and supine fixed sleeping posture in the mild, moderate, and severe positional plagiocephaly groups were higher than the normal cranial group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in weight, length, and head circumference among the four groups at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of age (P>0.05). The incidence rate of abnormal vision in the severe positional plagiocephaly group was higher than that in the mild positional plagiocephaly, moderate positional plagiocephaly and normal cranial shape groups at 24 and 36 months of age (P<0.05). The scores of the Pediatric Neuropsychological Developmental Scales at 12 and 24 months of age and the scores of the Gesell Developmental Schedules at 36 months of age in the severe positional plagiocephaly group were lower than those in the mild positional plagiocephaly, moderate positional plagiocephaly and normal cranial shape groups, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Adverse perinatal factors, congenital muscular torticollis, and supine fixed sleeping position may be associated with infantile positional plagiocephaly. Mild or moderate positional plagiocephaly has no significant impact on the growth and neural development of children. Severe positional plagiocephaly have adverse effects on the visual acuity. However, it is not considered that severe positional plagiocephaly can affect the neurological development.

Deformidades craneales sinostósicas y no sinostósicas / Synostosic and non-synostosic cranial deformities

Las alteraciones de la forma del cráneo han aumentado en las últimas décadas a expensas de las plagiocefalias, como consecuencia de las recomendaciones de la Academia Americana de Pediatría de dormir al lactante en decúbito supino. El clínico debe diferenciar entre plagiocefalia posicional y craneosinostosis, ya que la conducta terapéutica será potencialmente neuroquirúrgica de comprobar una sinostosis craneal. Si bien la tomografía de cráneo tridimensional con ventana ósea es el estudio de mayor sensibilidad y especificidad diagnóstica, la mayoría de los casos pueden confirmarse por la clínica, reservando la radiografía simple o de preferencia la ecografía con enfoque de suturas para casos dudosos. Las craneosinostosis deben derivarse tempranamente a un equipo craneofacial para definir la indicación, oportunidad y técnica quirúrgica más adecuada para evitar futuras complicaciones neurocognitivos y psicosociales. Los niños con plagiocefalias posicionales, independientemente del tratamiento de la deformidad craneal, pueden tener más riesgo de retraso del desarrollo motor. Para su corrección se sugiere reposicionamiento y fisioterapia en formas leves a moderadas, reservando el uso de ortésis craneal en formas graves.

In the last decades alterations in the skull shape have increased at the expense of plagiocephaly, as consequence of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations to sleep the infant in the supine position. The clinician must differentiate between positional plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis, since if a cranial synostosis is proven, the therapeutic behavior will be potentially neurosurgical. Although three-dimensional skull tomography with bone window is the study of greater sensitivity and diagnostic specificity, the majority of cases can be confirmed by the clinic, reserving the radiography or ultrasound with a suture approach for doubtful cases. Craniosynostosis must be early referral to a craniofacial team to define the indication, opportunity and most appropriate surgical technique, in order to avoid future neurocognitive and psychosocial complications. Children with positional plagiocephaly regardless of the treatment of cranial deformity may have a higher risk of motor development delay. For correction, repositioning and physiotherapy are suggested in mild to moderate forms, reserving the use of cranial orthesis in severe forms.

Parents' Perspectives and Clinical Effectiveness of Cranial-Molding Orthoses in Infants With Plagiocephaly

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of and parents’ perspectives on cranial-molding orthotic treatment. METHODS: Medical charts were reviewed for 82 infants treated for plagiocephaly with cranial-molding orthoses in our clinic from April 2012 to July 2016 retrospectively. Infants who were clinically diagnosed with positional plagiocephaly and had a Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index (CVAI) of more than 3.5% were included. Pre- and post-treatment CVAI was obtained by three-dimensional head-surface laser scan. Parents’ perceptions of good outcome (satisfaction) were evaluated with the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). The GAS score assessed how much the parent felt that his or her initial goal for correcting the skull asymmetry was achieved after the treatment. RESULTS: The compliance with cranial-molding orthoses was 90.2% (74 of 82 infants). There were 53 infants (65% of the 82 infants) who had adverse events with the cranial-molding orthoses during the study. Heat rash was found in 29 cases (35.4%) and was the most common adverse event. The mean GAS T-score was 51.9±10.2. A GAS T-score of 0 or more was identified for 71.6% of parents. The GAS T-score was significantly related to the age (p < 0.001), the initial CVAI, and the difference of CVAI during the treatment (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Parents’ perception of good outcome was correlated with the anthropometric improvement in cranialmolding orthotic treatment in infants with plagiocephaly. A high percentage of parents felt that the treatment met their initial goals in spite of a high occurrence of adverse events.

Efficacy of sleep position correction for treating infants with positional plagiocephaly / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy of 2-month course of sleeping position correction in the treatment of positional plagiocephaly in infants aged <8 months.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 73 infants with positional plagiocephaly between January 2015 and June 2016 were divided into treatment group (n=46) and control group (n=27) according to parents' wishes. The treatment group received sleeping position correction, while the control group received sleep curve mattress. The oblique diameters A and B in the two groups were measured and the cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) was calculated before and after treatment. The severity of positional plagiocephaly based on CVA was compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The Gesell Developmental Scale was used to determine the developmental quotients (DQs) in the motor, adaptive, language, and social domains in the two groups before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before treatment, there were no significant differences in oblique diameters A and B, CVA, and DQs in the four specific domains between the two groups (P>0.05). After 2 months of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly greater oblique diameter B and a significantly smaller CVA than the control group (P<0.05); there were no significant differences in DQs in the four specific domains between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, both groups had significant improvements in oblique diameters A and B, CVA, and DQs in the motor and adaptive domains (P<0.01); moreover, the treatment group showed a significant improvement in the DQs in the social domain (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the severity of positional plagiocephaly between the two groups before and after treatment (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For infants with positional plagiocephaly, sleeping position correction has better efficacy and is more convenient and economical than the sleep curve mattress, so it holds promise for clinical application.</p>

Aesthetic Correction of Severe Facial Asymmetry in a Deformational Plagiocephaly Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) (also referred to as positional plagiocephaly) has long posed challenges for plastic surgeons because it is difficult to differentiate from several other diseases, such as unilateral coronal synostosis, hemifacial microsomia, and unilateral lambdoidal craniosynostosis. These diseases can actually masquerade as DP or vice versa. Only in recent years has the differential diagnosis among these diseases become possible through improved imaging modalities, such as computed tomography, and a greater understanding of their pathophysiology. Herein, we report a rather rare, yet severe, form of DP that can easily be confused with the aforementioned diseases.

Analysis of Facial Asymmetry in Deformational Plagiocephaly Using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Review

BACKGROUND: Infants with deformational plagiocephaly (DP) usually present with cranial vault deformities as well as facial asymmetry. The purpose of this study was to use three-dimensional anthropometric data to evaluate the influence of cranial deformities on facial asymmetry. METHODS: We analyzed three-dimensional computed tomography data for infants with DP (n=48) and without DP (n=30, control). Using 16 landmarks and 3 reference planes, 22 distance parameters and 2 angular parameters were compared. This cephalometric assessment focused on asymmetry of the orbits, nose, ears, maxilla, and mandible. We then assessed the correlation between 23 of the measurements and cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) for statistical significance using relative differences and correlation analysis. RESULTS: With the exception of few orbital asymmetry variables, most measurements indicated that the facial asymmetry was greater in infants with DP. Mandibular and nasal asymmetry was correlated highly with severity of CVA. Shortening of the ipsilateral mandibular body was particularly significant. There was no significant deformity in the maxilla or ear. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the cranial vault deformity in DP is associated with facial asymmetry. Compared with the control group, the infants with DP were found to have prominent asymmetry of the nose and mandible.

Effectiveness of Helmet Cranial Remodeling in Older Infants with Positional Plagiocephaly

BACKGROUND: Management of positional plagiocephaly by wearing a cranial molding helmet has become a matter of growing medical interest. Some research studies reported that starting helmet therapy early (age 5 to 6 months) is important and leads to a significantly better outcome in a shorter treatment time. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cranial remodeling treatment with wearing helmet for older infants (> or =18 months). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 27 infants with positional plagiocephaly without synostosis, who were started from 2008 to 2012. Every child underwent a computerized tomography (CT) before starting helmet therapy to exclude synostosis of the cranial sutures and had CT performed once again after satisfactory completion of therapy. Anthropometric measurements were taken on using spreading calipers in every child. The treatment effect was compared using cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) and the cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI), which were obtained from diagonal measurements before and after therapy. RESULTS: The discrepancy of CVA and CVAI of all the patients significantly decreased after cranial molding helmet treatment in older infants (> or =18 months) 7.6 mm from 15.6 mm to 8 mm and 4.51% from 9.42% to 4.91%. Six patients had confirmed successful outcome, and all subjects were good compliance patients. The treatment lasted an average of 16.4 months, was well tolerated, and had no complication. Additionally, the rate of the successful treatment (final CVA < or =5 mm) significantly decreased when the wearing time per was shorter. CONCLUSION: This study showed that treatment by cranial remodeling orthosis was effective if the patient could wear the helmet longer and treatment duration was somewhat longer than in younger patients, well tolerated in older infants and had no morbidity. This therapeutic option is available and indicated in these older infants before other cranial remodeling surgery.

Effectiveness of Helmet Cranial Remodeling in Older Infants with Positional Plagiocephaly

BACKGROUND: Management of positional plagiocephaly by wearing a cranial molding helmet has become a matter of growing medical interest. Some research studies reported that starting helmet therapy early (age 5 to 6 months) is important and leads to a significantly better outcome in a shorter treatment time. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cranial remodeling treatment with wearing helmet for older infants (> or =18 months). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 27 infants with positional plagiocephaly without synostosis, who were started from 2008 to 2012. Every child underwent a computerized tomography (CT) before starting helmet therapy to exclude synostosis of the cranial sutures and had CT performed once again after satisfactory completion of therapy. Anthropometric measurements were taken on using spreading calipers in every child. The treatment effect was compared using cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) and the cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI), which were obtained from diagonal measurements before and after therapy. RESULTS: The discrepancy of CVA and CVAI of all the patients significantly decreased after cranial molding helmet treatment in older infants (> or =18 months) 7.6 mm from 15.6 mm to 8 mm and 4.51% from 9.42% to 4.91%. Six patients had confirmed successful outcome, and all subjects were good compliance patients. The treatment lasted an average of 16.4 months, was well tolerated, and had no complication. Additionally, the rate of the successful treatment (final CVA < or =5 mm) significantly decreased when the wearing time per was shorter. CONCLUSION: This study showed that treatment by cranial remodeling orthosis was effective if the patient could wear the helmet longer and treatment duration was somewhat longer than in younger patients, well tolerated in older infants and had no morbidity. This therapeutic option is available and indicated in these older infants before other cranial remodeling surgery.

A New Ultrasound Method for Assessment of Head Shape Change in Infants With Plagiocephaly

OBJECTIVE: To compare a new ultrasound measurement method with calliper cephalometry in infants with deformational plagiocephaly (DP) and to assess the differences of two methods according to the severity of DP. METHODS: Fifty-two infants with DP were divided into two groups according to the degree of cranial vault asymmetry (CVA); group 1 included 42 infants with CVA over 10 mm, and group 2 included 10 infants with CVA under 10 mm. Cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) and occipital angle ratio (OAR) were measured by using calliper and ultrasound measurements, respectively. The occipital angle was defined as the angle between the lines projected along the lambdoid sutures of the skull. RESULTS: The occipital angles of the affected sides were significantly greater than those of unaffected sides in both groups. The CVAI and OAR were significantly greater in group 1 than in group 2 (CVAI, 9.3%+/-2.3% vs. 4.6%+/-1.5%; OAR, 1.05+/-0.4 vs. 1.01+/-0.0; p<0.05). The OAR was positively correlated with the CVAI in all infants (r=0.789) and in group 1 (r=0.784; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that OAR using the new ultrasound measurement was positively correlated with the CVAI in infants with DP. Therefore, the occipital angle measurement using ultrasound combined with cephalometry could provide better understanding about the characteristics of the overall cranial bone and lambdoid suture complex in infants with DP.

Congenital Muscular Torticollis Concurrent With Sagittal Synostosis: A Case Report

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and craniosynostosis are diseases that cause plagiocephaly and craniofacial asymmetry in children. In our literature review, we did not find any report of concurrent manifestation of CMT and craniosynostosis. A 41-month-old boy visited our hospital with left torticollis, right laterocollis, and craniofacial asymmetry as the main findings. During clinical examination, prominent right sternocleidomastoid muscle and limited range of motion of the neck were noted, and right CMT was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging of the neck. Three-dimensional computed tomography of the skull, which was conducted due to the unusual appearance of the skull with a large head circumference, mild brachycephaly, as well as left plagiocephaly, revealed premature closure of the sagittal suture. Thus, we report the first case that showed concurrence of CMT and sagittal synostosis. We recommend that concurrently manifested craniosynostosis needs to be examined if the subject with CMT displays unusual craniofacial asymmetry to a greater extent than deformational plagiocephaly.

Tratamento de plagiocefalia e braquicefalia posicionais com órtese craniana: estudo de caso / Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly treatment with cranial orthosis: a case report

O número de deformidades cranianas tem aumentado desde que tiveram início os esforços internacionais dos pediatras, com a recomendação de se colocar os filhos para dormirem na posição supina, como estratégia para reduzir a morte súbita do recém-nascido. Se, por um lado, esse programa conseguiu demonstrar resultados muito eficientes nessa redução, por outro, tal recomendação fez com que os casos de assimetrias cranianas aumentassem em incidência. Isso porque os lactentes são mantidos por muito tempo em um só posicionamento, pois há também o uso abusivo de dispositivos como carrinho, bebê-conforto, cadeirinha de carro, balancinho, entre outros. Entre as assimetrias resultantes, as mais encontradas são a plagiocefalia (o crânio em forma de um paralelograma com achatamento occipital e anterior contralateral) e a braquicefalia (o achatamento occipital bilateral). Esse estudo relatou o caso de paciente com uma braquicefalia associada à plagiocefalia deformacionais tratado com órtese craniana. O paciente foi avaliado antes e após o tratamento clinicamente pelo mesmo médico, por meio de registro fotográfico e de um escaneamento a laser, que permite aferir variáveis determinantes das assimetrias. Foi possível, durante o período de tratamento, observar que houve importante melhora na simetria craniana documentada pela diminuição do índice cefálico, diminuição da diferença diagonal e ganho de volume no quadrante que se encontrava mais achatado. Conclui-se que a terapia ortótica constitui modalidade terapêutica segura e eficaz disponível para o tratamento das assimetrias cranianas posicionais.

The number of cranial deformities has increased considerably since international efforts of pediatricians to recommend parents putting their babies to sleep in the supine position as a strategy to reduce sudden death syndrome of the newborn. On the one hand, this program has demonstrated very efficient results at reducing deaths and, on the other hand, such recommendation has increased the incidence of cranial asymmetries. In addition, infants are kept too long in one position, much of this due to abusive use of strollers, baby carriers, car seats, swings and other devices. Among resulting asymmetries, the most frequently found are plagiocephaly (parallelogram shaped skull, with posterior unilateral flattening with the opposite frontal area also flattened) and brachycephaly (occipital bilateral flattening). The present study is a case report of a patient with brachycephaly associated with deformational plagiocephaly treated with cranial orthosis. The same physician clinically evaluated the patient before and after treatment using photographic recording and a laser scanning device, which allows the accurate measurement of variables determining asymmetries. It became clear during treatment that there was significant improvement in cranial symmetry documented by decrease in the cephalic index, diagonal difference and volume gain in the quadrant that was flattened. The authors conclude that orthotic therapy is a safe and effective therapeutic modality for position cranial asymmetries.

Comparison of Helmet Therapy and Counter Positioning for Deformational Plagiocephaly

OBJECTIVE: To compare effectiveness on correcting cranial and ear asymmetry between helmet therapy and counter positioning for deformational plagiocephaly (DP). METHODS: Retrospective data of children diagnosed with DP who visited our clinic from November 2010 to October 2012 were reviewed. Subjects or =10 mm of diagonal difference were included for analysis. For DP treatment, information on both helmet therapy and counter positioning was given and either of the two was chosen by each family. Head circumference, cranial asymmetry measurements including diagonal difference, cranial vault asymmetry index, radial symmetry index, and ear shift were obtained by 3-dimensional head-surface laser scan at the time of initiation and termination of therapy. RESULTS: Twenty-seven subjects were included: 21 had helmet therapy and 6 underwent counter positioning. There was no significant difference of baseline characteristics, head circumferences and cranial asymmetry measurements at the initiation of therapy. The mean duration of therapy was 4.30+/-1.27 months in the helmet therapy group and 4.08+/-0.95 months in the counter positioning group (p=0.770). While cranial asymmetry measurements improved in both groups, significantly more improvement was observed with helmet therapy. There was no significant difference of the head circumference growth between the two groups at the end of therapy. CONCLUSION: Helmet therapy resulted in more favorable outcomes in correcting cranial and ear asymmetry than counter positioning on moderate to severe DP without compromising head growth.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Deformational Plagiocephaly

It is important to distinguish deformational plagiocephaly from craniosynostosis, the two conditions are different with respect to clinical progression and treatment options. Deformational plagiocephaly is diagnosed based on the patient's medical history and physical examination. Until recently, there has been no standardized method of evaluation. Visual assessment, anthropometric assessment, digital scanning, and radiologic evaluation are mostly commonly used modalities for diagnosis and assessment. Treatment of deformational plagiocephaly requires an understanding of natural progression of the disease. Deformational plagiocephaly should be classified according to its severity before the proper method and time for treatment are determined. Treatment includes repositioning, physiotherapy and remodeling with the use of orthotic devices. In general, repositioning is preferred for patients younger than six months old while treatment with the use of orthotic devices such as helmet is preferred for patients over six months old. Moreover, treatment with the use of orthotic devices is also favored for severe plagiocephaly. There is continuing research on the relation between deformational plagiocephaly and developmental delay.

Craniofacial malformation treatment: craniosynostosis and positional plagiocephaly

After the publication of the modern Virchow's suture fusion hypothesis regarding craniosynostosis, various types of linear craniotomy have been developed. However, after the Moss's functional matrix hypothesis became known, extensive cranial remodeling surgical procedures have emerged. However, a recent view that the cause of craniosynostosis may be due to gene mutation has led to a tendency toward treating craniosynostosis with minimally invasive surgery including endoscopic surgery and distraction procedures that utilize springs or distractors. As nonsyndromic craniosynostoses are accompanied by unilateral coronal or lambdoid craniosynostosis, and syndromic craniosynostoses are accompanied by facial anomalies, it is presumed that cranial anomalies are accompanied by facial anomalies. However, the "back to sleep" campaign that was initiated in the 1990's in order to prevent infantile death syndrome led to research in the dramatic increase in the incidence of craniofacial anomalies, which resulted in the establishment of the positional plagiocephaly concept, which has also been ascertained in animal experiments. Despite these advances, the basic problem of whether craniosynostosis is simply a cosmetic anomaly or whether it is a neurological disease that is accompanied by complications such as increased intracranial pressure has not been resolved. The consequent confusion has prevented establishment of the optimal timing for surgery and the type of surgical procedure. The authors of this study review the history of craniosynostosis treatment and attempt to clarify the situation pertaining to the surgical treatment concepts and limitations.

Outcome Analysis of Cranial Molding Therapy in Nonsynostotic Plagiocephaly

BACKGROUND: It is known that nonsynostotic plagiocephaly does not spontaneously improve, and the craniofacial deformities that result from it. This study was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of helmet therapy for the nonsynostotic plagiocephaly patient, and to suggest a new treatment strategy based on this analysis. METHODS: A total of 108 pediatric patients who had undergone helmet therapy after being diagnosed with nonsynostotic plagiocephaly were included in this study. The patients were classified according to the initiation age of the helmet therapy, severity, and helmet wearing time. The treatment effect was compared using cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) and the cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI), which were obtained from diagonal measurements before and after therapy. RESULTS: The discrepancy of CVA and CVAI of all the patients significantly decreased after helmet therapy. According to the initiation time of helmet therapy, the treatment effect was best at 5 months old or less. The helmet wearing time per day was proportional to the treatment effect up to 20 hours. In addition, the rate of the successful treatment (final CVA < or =5 mm) significantly decreased when the initiation age was 9.1 months or older and the treatment period was less than 7.83 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the effectiveness of the helmet therapy for nonsynostotic plagiocephaly patients. Based on analysis of this study, helmet therapy should be started at the age of 9 months or younger for 7.83 months or more, and the helmet wearing time should be more than 20 hours a day.

Estudo antropométrico das assimetrias craniofaciais na craniossinostose coronal unilateral / Anthropometric study of craniofacial asymmetry in unilateral coronal synostosis

INTRODUÇÃO: A craniossinostose coronal unilateral (CCU) é a ossificação prematura da sutura coronal unilateralmente e provoca uma deformidade em 3 dimensões, que pode afetar o crânio e as órbitas. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi aferir e comparar a assimetria do crânio e face dos pacientes portadores de CCU no período pré e pós-operatório. MÉTODO: Nove pacientes foram submetidos à correção da craniossinostose coronal unilateral, entre janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2010. Quatro pacientes foram do sexo feminino e cinco do sexo masculino. Foram aferidas medidas da região craniofacial para quantificar o índice de assimetria craniofacial no período pré-operatório e compará-lo com o período pós-operatório. O índice de assimetria craniofacial (IAC) foi determinado pela diferença entre as medidas craniofaciais diagonais obtidas com o goniômetro. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes submetidos à correção de CCU foi de 2 anos e 1 mês. O tempo médio de cirurgia foi de 2 horas e 46 minutos. O volume médio de sangue transfundido foi de 280 ml. A média das diferenças das medidas diagonais obtidas com o goniômetro no período pré-operatório (IAC) foi de 1,045 e do pós-operatório de 1,009 (p=0,0109), indicando forte tendência à simetria craniofacial após o ato cirúrgico. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento proposto para as CCU foi eficiente na obtenção de simetria craniofacial. Foi necessária a sobrecorreção das estruturas ósseas para obtenção de simetria óssea no período pós-operatório.

INTRODUCTION: Unilateral coronal synostosis (UCS) is a premature fusion of the coronal suture and leads to a three-dimensional deformity that affects the cranium and orbits. The aim of this study was to compare craniofacial skeleton asymmetry preoperatively and postoperatively. METHODS: This is a retrospective study with nine patients who underwent treatment of unilateral coronal synostosis, between January 2007 and December 2010. Four patients were female and five male. The craniofacial measurements were done to quantify an index of craniofacial asymmetry preoperatively and compare to those obtained postoperatively. The craniofacial index (CI) was obtained by calculating the difference between the higher oblique measurement of the craniofacial skeleton and lower oblique measurement of the craniofacial skeleton. RESULTS: The average age of the patients who had undergone to unilateral coronal synostosis correction was 2 years and 1 month. The average time of surgery was 2 hours and 46 minutes. The blood volume transfused was 280 cc. The CI preoperatively was 1.045 and postoperatively was 1.009 (p=0.0109), indicating a tendency to craniofacial symmetry. CONCLUSION: The treatment of UCS was efficient. Bone over correction was necessary to achieve its goal of symmetry in the postoperative period.

A Simple Evaluation Method Using a "Sun-Wukong's Headband" Wire for Positional Plagiocephaly Correction after Cranial Remodeling Helmet Therapy

PURPOSE: A cranioremodeling helmet for correcting plagiocephaly was recently developed. However, no discrete objective methods to evaluate how the deformity is being corrected have been developed. We have established an easy and cost-effective method that can be used not only to show the correction process, but can also be used by physicians to assess the degree of plagiocephaly two-dimensionally. METHODS: For two-dimensional evaluation, a length of malleable memory wire (2 mm in diameter) resembling "Sun-Wukong's headband" was placed on the patient's head. The wire around the patient's head was positioned on a plane including points 1 cm above the eyebrow and 1 cm above the auricle. The wire was placed on a sheet of paper and the outline was marked using pens of various colors during each visit. The degree of plagiocephaly correction could then be shown to the patient's parents at every consultation. RESULTS: The method established by the present study easily shows the horizontal cross-section transformation of the head, illustrates plagiocephaly correction by the helmet, and shows the degree of correction in a two-dimensional manner. CONCLUSION: A soft-shell helmet is widely used for correcting plagiocephaly. However, evaluating the effectiveness of the helmet has been determined in a subjective manner, and a more objective method is now in demanded. Our study found that a "Sun-Wukong's headband" wire can accurately measure two-dimensional changes. Future studies will be required to identify landmarks needed for assessing plagiocephaly correction.

Orthotic treatement improves cranial base abnormality in patients with craniofacial microsomia and deformational plagiocephaly

Craniofacial microsomia is assciated with hypoplasia of the facial skeleton and musculature. These primary defects cause a secondy alteration of the craniofacial skeleton. Current therapies do not attempt to correct the cranial base deformity in childhoold. Another cause of oblique deformities of the skull is deformational plagiocephaly. This common disorder is secundary to external deformational forces and tends to improve with time and may require only conservative treatment. We present two cases of deformational plagiocephaly superimposed upon hemifacial microsomia. Orthotic treatment was utilized to improve both the deformational plagiocephaly and the cranial base deformity. This novel therapy has the potential to correct the cranial base deformity in craniofacial microsomia.

Diseño y construcción de un prototipo de ortesis para el tratamiento de la plagiocefalia occipital posicional / Design and construction of a prototype orthesis device for the positional occipital plagiocephaly treatment

Este artículo presenta el desarrollo de un prototipo de dispositivo ortésico para cráneo de pacientes con plagiocefalia occipital posicional, con el fin de aplicarlo en la rehabilitación de infantes entre los cuatro y doce meses de edad. La geometría del dispositivo se obtuvo a partir de las medidas estadísticas estándar de cráneo para infantes de 6 meses de edad de acuerdo con La Academia Americana de Pediatría y por medio del software GID 8. Los esfuerzos y las deformaciones sufridas por el dispositivo durante su aplicación fueron simuladas por medio de elementos finitos usando el software ANSYS® 10.0. Para estandarizar el tratamiento y conocer la presión aplicada por el dispositivo ortésico en el cráneo del paciente, se elaboró un sensor de presión de aire que trabaja en un intervalo de 0 mm Hg a 55 mm Hg. Los resultados muestran que el dispositivo cumple las especificaciones tanto desde el punto de vista de una validación matemática, como desde las especificaciones del diseño en cuanto a la resolución mínima para las medidas de presión sensadas, confort y resistencia...

This paper presents the development of a prototype orthesis device for the cranium of patientswith positional occipital plagiocephaly. This device will allow the rehabilitation of infants between four months and twelve months old. The device geometry was obtained from statistical cranium measurements evaluated in children of 6 months old by the American Academy of Pediatrics as well through software called GID 8. The stress and strain results were taken from the device during activity, or while the equipment applied some forces on the head; simulations were made by the software of finite element called ANSYS® 10.0. An implementation of air sensor to the device made it possible to know the levels of pressure in a range of 0mm Hg a 55mm Hg. This implementation was done in order to get the standardization of the treatment. The mathematic results as well as the design specifications (minimum resolution of the pressure measurements, comfort and resistance) showed that the device maybe used in rehabilitation.