Pediatr. praxi. 2012;13(1):36-39

Treatment of positional plagiocephaly using a cranial molding orthosis

MUDr.Radim Lipina, Ph.D.¹, Ing.Jiří Rosický, CSc.², Bc.Štěpánka Golová²

¹ Neurochirurgická klinika FN Ostrava

² Ortopedická protetika Frýdek-Místek

Introduction: Positional plagiocephaly is a head shape abnormality resulting from prenatal and postnatal causes. This deformity may

resolve spontaneously or by positional therapy but some children have residual flattening. Authors present their experience with treatment

of positional plagiocephaly using cranial orthosis.

Materials and methods: We have followed 18 patients treated by cranial orthosis between February and December 2010. Patients were

evaluated according to CVA index prior and after treatment.

Results: Four patients did not tolerate the orthosis. In three patients we were not able to initiate the therapy and in one case we finished

the therapy after two weeks. Treatment using cranial orthosis was successful in 13 patients – according to CVA index and from cosmetic

point of view. In one patient the orthosis did not lead to improvement. We did not register any other complications.

Conclusion: Treatment of positional plagiocephaly using cranial orthosis is safe alternative to the repositioning and physical therapy.

Cranial orthosis is more effective in severe deformities and in early initiation of the therapy.

Keywords: cranial orthosis, positional plagiocephaly, neurodevelopment

Published: March 1, 2012  Show citation