Helmet therapy efficacy and its prediction in Japanese infants with positional plagio- and brachycephaly.

PURPOSE: To provide additional information on optimal start times and therapeutic effectiveness based on treatment outcome of Japanese infants with positional plagio- and brachycephaly (PPB) receiving cranial molding helmet therapy (CMHT). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, data from a 3D head scanning system was analyzed from 2173 Japanese infants who completed CMHT. Anterior and posterior symmetry ratio (ASR and PSR) and longitudinal to transverse diagonal ratios (LD/TDR) were calculated based on skull shape at helmet design and at completion of therapy. The outcomes were evaluated using the regression analysis and a predictive model using cranial parameters was developed. RESULTS: The earlier the start of therapy, the greater the therapeutic effect on ASR, PSR, and LD/TDR (ASR, -0.134 percent points (ppt)/day; PSR, -0.086 ppt/day; and LD/TDR, -0.131 ppt/day). In the predictive model, in addition to starting age of the therapy, sex (male), the degree of deformity of the head (DoD) (moderate and severe), quadrant volume, PSR, and head circumference at the start of treatment also had a positive effect on changes in ASR, DoD (moderate and severe), ASR, LD/TDR and transverse diameter for PSR, sex (male), DoD (moderate), quadrant volume, PSR, and head circumference for LD/TDR. CONCLUSION: The starting age of therapy had a relatively smaller contribution to outcome effects. Applying the cranial parameter obtained at the start of treatment to the predictive model helps to predict the effect of CMHT and whether PPB can be treated with CMHT in infants of older age.

Jugular foramen stenosis in external hydrocephalus in infants.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the size of jugular foramina in infants affected by external hydrocephalus (EH) and in a control group, to support the hypothesis that a jugular foramen (JF) stenosis may determine dural venous sinus alterations and increased venous outflow resistance as main pathophysiological factor. METHODS: Minimum, maximum, and mean values of JF areas were measured in a series of phase-contrast magnetic resonance venous angiography (angio MRV PCA3D) performed on 81 infants affected by EH. Results were compared with a group of 54 controls. RESULTS: Smaller JF area was significantly smaller in patients versus controls (43.1 ± 14.6 vs. 52.7 ± 17.8; p < 0.001) resulting in a significantly smaller mean JF areas in patients vs. controls (51.6 ± 15.8 vs. 57.0 ± 18.3; p = 0.043). In patients, smaller JF areas were significantly associated with higher venous obstruction grading score (VOGS) both on the right (p = 0.018) and on the left side (p = 0.005). Positional plagiocephaly (cranial vault asymmetry index > 3.5%) was more frequent among EH patients than controls (38/17) but the difference was not significant (p = 0.07). In the 38 plagiocephalic patients, JF area was smaller on the flattened side than the contralateral in a significant number of cases both in right (21/7) and left (9/1) plagiocephaly (p < 0.0005) as well as the mean area (48.2 + 16.4 mm2 vs. 57.5 + 20.7 mm2, p = 0.002) and VOGS was significantly higher on the plagiocephalic side than on the contralateral side (1.6 ± 1.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.9, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: In this series of infants affected by EH, the mean size of the ostium of both JF resulted significantly smaller than controls. JF stenosis was significantly associated with higher degrees of venous obstruction on both sides, suggesting a direct extrinsic effect of JF size on dural sinus lumen and possible consequent effect on venous outflow resistance. Positional plagiocephaly, when present, was associated with a decreased JF area and increased VOGS on the flattened side.

[Follow-up and prognostic study of infants with positional plagiocephaly]. / å©´å„¿ä½“ä½æ€§æ–œå¤´å¼‚å¸¸çš„éšè®¿å’Œé¢„åŽç ”ç©¶.

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.

Dural venous sinus anatomy in children with external hydrocephalus: analysis of a series of 97 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anatomical variations of dural venous sinuses in children with external hydrocephalus, proposing a radiological grading of progressive anatomic restriction to venous outflow based on brain phase-contrast magnetic resonance venography (PC-MRV); to evaluate the correlation between positional plagiocephaly and dural sinuses patency; and to compare these findings with a control group to ascertain the role of anatomical restriction to venous outflow in the pathophysiology of external hydrocephalus. METHODS: Brain MRI and PC MRV were performed in 97 children (76 males, 21 females) diagnosed with external hydrocephalus at an average age of 8.22 months. Reduction of patency of the dural sinuses was graded as 1 (stenosis), 2 (complete stop) and 3 (complete agenesis) for each transverse/sigmoid sinus and sagittal sinus. Anatomical restriction was graded for each patient from 0 (symmetric anatomy of patent dural sinuses) through 6 (bilateral agenesis of both transverse sinuses). Ventricular and subarachnoid spaces were measured above the intercommissural plane using segmentation software. Positional plagiocephaly (PP) and/or asymmetric tentorial insertion (ATI) was correlated with the presence and grading of venous sinus obstruction. These results were compared with a retrospective control group of 75 patients (35 males, 40 females). RESULTS: Both the rate (84.53% vs 25.33%) and the grading (mean 2.59 vs mean 0.45) of anomalies of dural sinuses were significantly higher in case group than in control group. In the case group, sinus anomalies were asymmetric in 59 cases (right-left ratio 1/1) and symmetric in 22. A significant association was detected between the grading of venous drainage alterations and diagnosis of disease and between the severity of vascular anomalies and the widening of subarachnoid space (SAS). Postural plagiocephaly (39.1% vs 21.3%) and asymmetric tentorial insertion (35.4% vs 17.3%) were significantly more frequent in the case group than in the control group. When sinus anomalies occurred in plagiocephalic children, the obstruction grading was significantly higher on the flattened side (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Decreased patency of the dural sinuses and consequent increased venous outflow resistance may play a role in the pathophysiology of external hydrocephalus in the first 3 years of life. In plagiocephalic children, calvarial flattening may impact on the homolateral dural sinus patency, with a possible effect on the anatomy of dural sinuses and venous drainage in the first months of life.

Safety and efficacy of independent allied healthcare professionals in the assessment and management of plagiocephaly patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of positional plagiocephaly has increased significantly over the last two decades, which has caused a service delivery challenge for pediatric neurosurgeons. As a potential solution to the long waitlists for abnormal head shape, a plagiocephaly clinic was established at BC Children's Hospital (BCCH) in Vancouver, Canada. This clinic was supervised by an occupational therapist who had been trained by a neurosurgeon to independently assess and manage patients with a referring diagnosis of positional plagiocephaly. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficiency of the BCCH Plagiocephaly Clinic in the management of positional plagiocephaly patients and to investigate the clinic's ability to appropriately identify and refer patients with craniosynostosis to pediatric neurosurgeons for further assessment. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients who were assessed and managed at the BCCH Plagiocephaly Clinic between 2008 and 2014. Data on patient demographics, head shape measurements, and treatment recommendations were collected, and the BC Children's neurosurgical database was cross-referenced to identify craniosynostosis cases missed by the Plagiocephaly Clinic. A descriptive analysis of the clinic's average wait times, severity of the patients' plagiocephaly, and recommended interventions was conducted. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of the clinic's ability to appropriately refer craniosynostosis patients to pediatric neurosurgery were calculated. RESULTS: Of 1752 patients seen in the BC Children's Plagiocephaly Clinic between 2008 and 2014, 66% of patients received counseling about repositioning, 34% were referred for head banding, 19% were referred to physiotherapy for torticollis, and 1.4% were referred to the BC Children's Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic for suspicion of craniosynostosis. The mean time from referral to first assessment by the Plagiocephaly Clinic was 41 days, and time from referral by the plagiocephaly clinic to diagnosis of craniosynostosis by a pediatric neurosurgeon was 8 days. Pediatric neurosurgeons requested imaging for 6 of the referred patients (25% ). The sensitivity and specificity of the plagiocephaly clinic for referral of craniosynostosis patients to the Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic were 100 and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The BC Children's Plagiocephaly Clinic is efficient and safe for the initial evaluation and treatment of patients with positional plagiocephaly. The clinic's model decreases wait times, appropriately manages patients with positional plagiocephaly, screens for craniosynostosis with high sensitivity and specificity, and takes pressure off outpatient neurosurgical clinics. This model for assessment of plagiocephaly could be considered in other medical centers.

A new parameter for the management of positional plagiocephaly: the size of the anterior fontanelle matters.

PURPOSE: The rate of positional plagiocephaly has increased since guidelines for the prevention of sudden infant death have led to the recommendation of positioning infants on their back during sleeping. Therapy includes repositioning, physiotherapy, and helmet therapy. To date, there is no consensus on the treatment of positional plagiocephaly. Therefore, it was the goal of this study to compare the results of physiotherapy and helmet therapy and to investigate if the size of the anterior fontanelle can be used as an additional parameter for the indication of the helmet therapy. METHODS: We enrolled 98 infants with a diagonal difference of 7 mm or more and plagiocephaly classified as Argenta II or more. Patients were grouped into infants with a small anterior fontanelle (< 25mm2) and infants with a large anterior fontanelle (≥ 25mm2). The patients were observed for at least 18 months. Sixty-eight patients were treated with repositioning and physiotherapy, whereas 30 infants received helmet therapy. RESULTS: The remolding rate was significantly higher with the helmet therapy than with physiotherapy. In patients with a small fontanelle, a lower spontaneous remolding rate was seen pointing to their lower correction potential. Especially in these patients, plagiocephaly was reduced significantly more quickly with the helmet treatment than with physiotherapy, so that they may benefit from the helmet due to their otherwise reduced spontaneous remolding capacity. CONCLUSION: The helmet therapy led to a faster reduction of the asymmetry than physiotherapy in this study. In patients with a small anterior fontanelle and therefore lower remolding potential, the helmet treatment was more effective than physiotherapy.

Computer-assisted craniometric evaluation for diagnosis and follow-up of craniofacial asymmetries: SymMetric v. 1.0.

PURPOSE: The current assessment of patients with craniofacial asymmetries is accomplished by physical examination, anamnesis and radiological imaging. We propose a semi-automated, computer-assisted craniofacial evaluation (SymMetric v 1.0) based on orthogonal photography of the patient's head in 3 positions. The system is simple, low-cost, no-radiation or special resources needed. Although it does not substitute CT in cases of doubt between craniosynostosis and positional plagiocephaly, multiple numeric evaluations indicate regional deformities and severity of the asymmetry, which can help in the clinical decision of indicating or not the orthosis in positional deformities, determining treatment duration or evaluating surgical outcomes after correction. METHODS: A Matlab-based tool was developed for digital processing of photographs taken in 3 positions (anterior, superior and lateral). The software guides the user to select visible and reproducible landmarks in each photograph acquisition and calculates multiple indexes and metrics, generating a set of comprehensive plots to offer the user an overview of head and facial symmetry across the orthogonal views. For purposes of demonstration, we evaluated 2 patients (one control and one with non-sinostotic deformity). RESULTS: The results show a clear differentiation of the control and plagiocephalic patient metrics mainly in the superior view, showing potential for diagnosis of the condition, and also detected the clinical improvement during helmet treatment in the follow-up, 3 and 5 months after orthosis' use. CONCLUSION: We presented a proof-of-concept for a low cost, no radiation evaluation system for craniofacial asymmetries, that can be useful in a clinical context for diagnosis and follow-up of patients.

The role of age on helmet therapy in deformational plagiocephaly and asymmetric brachycephaly.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of age at helmet therapy onset on treatment efficacy in moderate-to-severe deformational plagiocephaly (DP) and combined DP and asymmetrical brachycephaly (AB) in infants. METHODS: Ninety-eight infants who were referred to our institution and who underwent helmet therapy between 2014 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with DP [cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) > 7% and DD > 10 mm] and AB [CVAI > 7% and cephalic ratio (CR) ≥ 94] were included. Pre- and post-treatment calvarial asymmetries (difference among DD, CVAI, and CR) were measured using 3D screening systems (SmartSoc and Omega Scanner 3D). Infants were classified according to age at treatment onset: group 1 (age, < 6 months) and group 2 (age, ≥ 6 months). RESULTS: CVAI was statistically different between treatment onset and end in subgroups. Moreover, the regression of CVAI between groups DP1 (- 7.5% ± 1.2%) versus DP2 (- 5.4% ± 1.5%; p = 0.001) and groups AB1 (- 6.6% ± 1.4%) versus AB2 (- 4.4 ± 2.5; p = 0.0013) was statistically significant. CVAI was < 3.5% and CR was ≤ 89 (assumed as normal cranial shape) after treatment in 48%, 40%, 32%, and 6% of infants in groups DP1, DP2, AB1, and AB2, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the efficacy of helmet therapy for DP and AB. Helmet is an appropriate treatment option particularly for infants with severe DP and AB, and early onset of helmet therapy before the age of 6 months is advised.

Prevalence and characteristics of positional plagiocephaly in healthy full-term infants at 8-12 weeks of life.

Positional plagiocephaly (PP) denotes flattening of the skull that occurs frequently in healthy infants. Aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of positional plagiocephaly and to identify the risk factors in a cohort of healthy infants in order to help prevention of PP. In a prospective design, all healthy full-term infants, ranging from 8 to 12 weeks of age, who presented at the public immunization clinic in Ferrara, were eligible for the study. After obtaining informed consent, we interviewed the parents and examined the infants using the Argenta's assessment tool. Of 283 infants examined, 107 (37.8%) were found to have PP at 8-12 weeks of age. In 64.5%, PP was on the right side, 50.5% were male and 15% presented also with brachycephaly. Risk factors significantly associated were lower head circumference, advanced maternal age, Italian compared to African, and supine sleep position, in particular for infants born at 37 weeks, preference for one side of the head. In logistic regression, risk factors significantly associated were lower birth weight, advanced maternal age, and supine sleep position. CONCLUSIONS: Positional plagiocephaly is a common issue faced by pediatricians; our results reinforce the need of improving prevention both of sudden infant death and positional plagiocephaly, through uniform messages provided prenatally and postnatally by different health professionals. "What is Known:" •The incidence of positional plagiocephaly varies due to population studied and measuring methods. •Different factors are considered in the literature as being associated to positional plagiocephaly (infant factors, obstetric factors, infant care practices, sociodemographic factors). "What is New:" •This is one of the few European studies quantifying positional plagiocephaly prevalence in a population of unselected healthy infants. •In this study, positional plagiocephaly is confirmed as a common issue, related to some factor (as supine sleep position and positional head prevalence) that should be addressed in pre and postnatal counseling. •The prone sleepers rate in our population highlight the need to improve parental awareness regarding SIDS prevention, in particular in borderline gestational age.

Use of black-bone MRI in the diagnosis of the patients with posterior plagiocephaly.

PURPOSE: Ionising radiation exposure is especially harmful to brain development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether black-bone (BB) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a non-ionising imaging method, offers an alternative to ionising imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT) in the examination of cranial deformities. METHODS: From 2012 to 2014, a total of 408 children were referred to the Craniofacial Centre at the Helsinki University Hospital for further examination due to flatness of the posterior skull. Fifteen of these patients required further diagnostic imaging. To avoid ionising radiation, we used an MRI protocol that included sequences for evaluation of both brain anatomy and skull bone and sutures by BB-MRI. A semi-automatic skull segmentation algorithm was developed to facilitate the visualisation. Two patients with scaphocephaly were included in the study to confirm the ability to differentiate synostosis with BB-MRI. RESULTS: We obtained informative 3D images using BB-MRI. Seven patients (7/15, 46.7%) had plagiocephaly on the right side and seven on the left side (7/15, 46.7%). One patient (1/15, 6.7%) had symmetric posterior flatness affecting both sides. Neither structural nor signal-intensity alterations of the brain were detected in visual analysis. CONCLUSION: BB-MRI provides an alternative to CT when imaging craniofacial deformities. BB-MRI provides not only high-quality 3D-reconstructed imaging of the bony structures and sutures but also information on brain structure in one imaging session. With further development, this method could replace ionising radiation-based methods in analysing deformities of the skull.

Neurological assessment of Chinese infants with positional plagiocephaly using a Chinese version of the Infant Neurological International Battery (INFANIB).

PURPOSE: Positional plagiocephaly (PP) is the most common subtype of asymmetric deformity in the infant skull. Cumulative evidence has demonstrated that PP is associated with abnormal neuromotor development; however, neurological assessment scores of infants with PP have not been well established, and PP has not attracted sufficient attention in China. This study used a Chinese version of the Infant Neurological International Battery (INFANIB) to identify neurological abnormalities among infants with PP and to determine the differences between infants with different (mild, moderate, and severe) degrees of PP. METHODS: We compared the neurological evaluation scores between 393 infants with different degrees of PP and 390 healthy infants from 0 to 18 months of age using a Chinese version of the INFANIB. RESULTS: The infants with PP aged 0-7.9 months had lower scores on the spasticity, head and trunk, leg, and French angle subscales and lower total scores than the normal infants. Additionally, the infants with PP aged 9-18 months showed statistically significantly lower scores on the spasticity, head and trunk, vestibular function, leg, and French angle subscales and total scores than the normal infants. Among the PP subgroups, the infants with mild PP had the highest scores, followed by the infants with moderate PP and the infants with severe PP. Compared with the normal infants, the infants with PP had abnormal neurological assessment scores, and the degree of neurological abnormality was associated with the severity of PP. CONCLUSIONS: The INFANIB revealed neurological abnormalities, including asymmetric movements and abnormal muscle tone, postures, and reflexes, in infants with PP, especially those with moderate or severe PP. These abnormalities were similar to those of infants with cerebral palsy. Therefore, PP may serve as a marker of neurodevelopmental risk and should receive considerable attention. Whether moderate or severe PP is related to cerebral palsy remains to be confirmed in long-term follow-up studies and other future studies.

Positional plagiocephaly is associated with sternocleidomastoid muscle activation in healthy term infants.

PURPOSE: To explore the relationship between sternocleidomastoid activation and positional plagiocephaly in healthy full term infants. METHODS: Participants were 82 infants from a regionally based-longitudinal study of infant development. Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) activation was assessed using active head-righting responses of body-on-head with and against gravity and head-on-body against gravity at 3, 6 and 9 weeks. Plagiocephaly was assessed using the Modified Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index (mCVAI) at 9 weeks. RESULTS: More severe plagiocephaly was associated with more severe asymmetry in active head-righting responses at all ages (p < 0.001). Greater right-sided occipital flatness was related to stronger contralateral/left SCM activation at 3 and at 9 weeks (p = 0.008). Greater left-sided occipital flatness was related to stronger contralateral/right SCM activation at 3 weeks (p = 0.004). In infants with any right-sided occipital flatness, the mCVAI was greater in infants with asymmetrical gravity assisted body-on-head responses at 3 weeks (mCVAI = 4.31 (2.01)%, 95% CI 2.87-5.75) compared to those with symmetrical responses (mCVAI = 2.64 (1.66)%, 95% CI 2.06-3.22) (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Sternocleidomastoid activation asymmetry is a significant contributor to plagiocephaly development by 9 weeks of age due to stronger contralateral SCM activation. Active head-righting responses are appropriate to assess sternocleidomastoid activation in infants under 2 months of age.

The course of positional cranial deformation from 3 to 12 months of age and associated risk factors: a follow-up with 3D imaging.

Deformational plagiocephaly is reported in up to 46.6 % of healthy infants, with the highest point prevalence at around 3 months of age. Few prospective studies on the natural course of skull deformation have been conducted, and we know of no studies using 3D imaging starting from the highest point prevalence period. In this prospective, population-based cohort study, we describe the course of cranial asymmetry and shape in an unselected population using 3D stereophotogrammetry and investigate factors associated with late cranial deformation and failure to recover from previous deformation. We evaluated 99 infants at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. We acquired 3D craniofacial images and performed structured clinical examinations and parental interviews at each visit. Eight outcome variables, representing different aspects of cranial shape, were calculated from a total of 288 3D images. Scores of asymmetry-related variables improved throughout the observation period. However, the rate of correction for cranial asymmetry decreased as the infants grew older, also in relation to the rate of head growth, and a significant amount of asymmetry was still present at 12 months. Positional preference at 3 months predicted an unfavorable course of cranial asymmetry after 3 months, increasing the risk for DP persisting. What is known: • The prevalence of deformational plagiocephaly spontaneously decreases after the first months of life. • Limited neck range of motion and infant positional preference increase the risk of deformational plagiocephaly during the first months of life. What is new: • Positional preference at 3 months predicts an unfavorable spontaneous course of deformation also from three to 12 months of age, presenting a potential target for screening and treatment. • The spontaneous rate of correction for cranial asymmetry decreases after 6 months of age, also in relation to the rate of head growth.

Positional plagiocephaly reduces parental adherence to SIDS Guidelines and inundates the health system.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to better understand parent, grandparent and clinician views of prevention, treatment and costs of plagiocephaly. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using focus groups and semi-structured interviews. A grounded theory approach was taken to build theories from the qualitative data collected. A subjectivist epistemological orientation was taken under the paradigm of positivism. RESULTS: Ninety-one parents, 6 grandparents and 24 clinicians were recruited from the community as well as primary and tertiary care clinics. Plagiocephaly worried most parents because it could permanently affect their child's 'looks' and some thought it would affect a child's development. Parents were 'willing to do anything' to prevent plagiocephaly including using products or sleeping positions that are contraindicated under sudden infant death syndrome guidelines. Parents found the care pathway convoluted and inconsistent messages were given from different health providers. For clinicians, the high prevalence of flat head is 'clogging up their patient pool', taking up time they used to spend with children with more severe conditions. CONCLUSION: There is a need to re-emphasize sudden infant death syndrome guidelines for families when they present with an infant with plagiocephaly. Stronger messaging regarding the lack of safety of current pillows marketed to prevent flat head may be useful to decrease their use. Increasing education for all health professionals including general practitioners, allied health and complementary health providers and standardizing assessment and referral criteria may allow the majority of diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephaly to occur at points of first contact (e.g. general practitioners, community nurse) and may prevent further burden on the health care system.

Malocclusion in the primary dentition in children with and without deformational plagiocephaly.

OBJECTIVES: Asymmetries of the jaw and orthodontic abnormalities are suspected as long-term consequences of positional cranial deformity. But only few data exist on this issue. As plagiocephaly is a common problem in infancy, potential functional impairments should be investigated to initiate appropriate measures if necessary. The aim of our study was to compare the orthodontic situation in primary dentition of children with positional plagiocephaly and children without cranial deformities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty children treated by helmet therapy for plagiocephaly and 50 non-affected children (age 1.98-5.69 years) were examined in a cross-sectional study. Orthodontic parameters of all dimensions were assessed and analyzed. RESULTS: Children of the plagiocephalic group showed more often orthodontic alterations compared to the others. Especially the frequencies of a class II malocclusion (36 vs. 14 %), an edge-to edge bite (28 vs. 12 %), and deviations of the midline (38 vs. 16 %) were conspicuous. However, none of the differences was significant (p > 0.003). Of all observed mandibular asymmetries, 69 % appeared as a shift to the contralateral side of the former flattened occipital region. CONCLUSION: Positional head deformity might be associated in some cases with a higher prevalence of occlusal abnormalities in primary dentition. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Positional plagiocephaly interfaces medicine and dentistry. As it is a common disorder, this etiology has to be considered in the prevention and therapy of malocclusion.

Risk factors for positional plagiocephaly and appropriate time frames for prevention messaging.

OBJECTIVE: To determine potential risk factors for developing positional plagiocephaly in infants seven to 12 weeks of age in Calgary, Alberta. METHODS: A prospective cohort design was used. Healthy term infants (n=440), seven to 12 weeks of age, from well-child clinics at four community health centres in Calgary, Alberta were assessed by the primary author and a registered nurse research assistant using Argenta's plagiocephaly assessment tool. Parents completed a questionnaire surveying risk factors. RESULTS: The incidence of positional plagiocephaly was estimated to be 46.6%. The following risk factors were identified using multiple logistic regression: right-sided head positional preference (OR 4.66 [95% CI 2.85 to 7.58]; P<0.001), left-sided head positional preference (OR 4.21 [95% CI 2.45 to 7.25]; P<0.001), supine sleep position (OR 2.67 [95% CI 1.58 to 4.51]; P<0.001), vacuum/forceps assisted delivery (OR 1.88 [95% CI 1.02 to 3.49]; P=0.04) and male sex (OR 1.55 [95% CI 1.00 to 2.38]; P=0.05). CONCLUSION: Advice to vary infants' head positions needs to be communicated to parents/guardians well before the two-month well-child clinic visit. This could occur in the prenatal period by prenatal care providers or educators, or during the neonatal period by postpartum and public health nurses. Prevention education may be emphasized for parents/guardians of male infants and infants who have had assisted deliveries.

OBJECTIF: Déterminer les facteurs de risque potentiels de plagiocéphalie positionnelle chez les nourrissons de sept à 12 semaines à Calgary, en Alberta. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Dans une cohorte prospective, des nourrissons à terme et en santé (n=440) de sept à 12 semaines provenant de cliniques d'enfants en santé de quatre centres de santé communautaire de Calgary, en Alberta, ont été évalués par l'auteur principal et une infirmière adjointe à la recherche au moyen de l'outil d'évaluation de la plagiocéphalie d'Argenta. Les parents ont rempli un questionnaire pour déterminer les facteurs de risque. RÉSULTATS: L'incidence de plagiocéphalie positionnelle a été évaluée à 46,6 %. Les facteurs de risque suivants ont été déterminés au moyen de la régression logistique multiple : préférence positionnelle de la tête à droite (RC 4,66 [95 % IC 2,85 à 7,58]; P<0,001), préférence positionnelle de la tête à gauche (RC 4,21 [95 % IC 2,45 à 7,25]; P<0,001), position de sommeil en décubitus dorsal (RC 2,67 [95 % IC 1,58 à 4,51]; P<0,001), accouchement assisté par ventouses ou forceps (RC 1,88 [95 % IC 1,02 à 3,49]; P=0,04) et sexe masculin (RC 1,55 [95 % IC 1,00 à 2,38]; P=0,05). CONCLUSION: Il faut conseiller aux parents ou aux tuteurs de modifier la position de la tête du nourrisson bien avant le rendez-vous à la clinique pour enfants en santé à deux mois. Ces conseils pourraient être donnés pendant la période prénatale par les dispensateurs ou les éducateurs de soins prénatals ou par des infirmières postnatales ou des infirmières de santé publique pendant la période néonatale. On peut donner des conseils de prévention aux parents ou aux tuteurs des nourrissons de sexe masculin et de ceux qui ont eu un accouchement assisté.

[Multidisciplinary approach to treatment of positional cranial asymmetry in infants]. / Multidisziplinäre Ansätze zur Behandlung von lagebedingten Schädelasymmetrien bei Säuglingen.

The prevalence of positional cranial asymmetry has significantly increased since the introduction of the "Back to Sleep" campaign. Some deformities require therapeutic measures, such as growth-guiding head prostheses. The diagnosis is based on the clinical features, a thorough clinical examination and measurement of the infant's head. Prevention includes early education of parents about alternative positioning methods. Early interventions such as positioning therapy and physiotherapy can be effective in mild cases. In severe cases, the use of growth-guiding orthoses is necessary. The treatment and timing are crucial as head growth is highest in the first year of life. Helmet treatment should be started early to achieve optimal results in order to achieve an improvement in the head shape and ear position. Multidisciplinary approaches including physiotherapy and osteopathy are essential.

Effectiveness of Helmet therapy for infants with moderate to severe positional plagiocephaly.

BACKGROUND: The use of helmet treatment for positional plagiocephaly has increased recently; however, its effect is unknown in Korea. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of helmet therapy and identify its influencing factors. METHODS: Ninety pediatric patients diagnosed with moderate to severe positional plagiocephaly received helmet therapy. Severity of moderate to severe positional plagiocephaly was defined as cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) >10 mm or CVA index (CVAI) >6%. Patients were categorized by age, severity, and daily helmet wear. Multiple regression analysis controlled for factors like sex and prematurity. Treatment success was assessed by comparing pre/post-helmet theray CVA and CVAI, considering normalization or decrease to mild plagiocephaly (CVA ≤10 mm or CVAI ≤6%). RESULTS: A total of 90 participants were enrolled (mean age, 5.6±1.6 months; male, 53 [58.9%]). The mean helmet therapy duration was 6.4±2.7 months, while the mean daily wear time was 18.4±2.7 hours. Among the 90 patients, 66 (73.3%) had moderate disease and 24 (26.7%) had severe disease. The mean CVA and CVAI decreased by 6.3±2.7 mm and 4.3%±1.8% after versus before treatment (P<0.001). Treatment was successful in 76 infants (84.4%). The most effective changes in CVA and CVAI were noted in those who began treatment before 9 months of age (6.2±2.5 mm and 5.0%±1.9%, P<0.001), had high compliance (6.2±2.4 mm and 4.9%±1.9%, P<0.001), and had high severity (8.0±2.3 mm and 6.6%±1.7%, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Starting helmet treatment before 9 months and wearing it over 15 hours daily yielded better outcomes.

Predictive Value of Sonographic Parameters on the Effects of Cranial Molding Helmet Therapy in Infants with Positional Plagiocephaly.

Positional plagiocephaly is a deformational cranial flattening frequently treated in pediatric neurosurgical practice. Positional maneuvers and orthotic helmet therapy are preferred therapeutic options for moderate-to-severe forms. Treatment response seems to be age-dependent. Nevertheless, predictive data are vague, and cost-efficiency might be a limiting factor for treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the early predictive value of sonographic parameters on the efficacy of orthotic helmet therapy through the assessment of changes in skull shape and correlation of the parameters with caliper cephalometry values and with age. A consecutive cohort of 49 patients < 10 months of age, undergoing orthotic helmet therapy for positional plagiocephaly, was recruited prospectively. The authors routinely assessed the patency of the lambdoid sutures by ultrasound and the following additional skull parameters were measured: suture width, adjacent full bone thickness, adjacent cortical bone thickness and occipital angle. Caliper cephalometric values, as well as demographic and clinical data were collected. Retrospective data analysis showed an inverse relation between both cortical and full skull bone thickness and early treatment efficacy, defined by a reduction in the occipital angle. The improvement of sonographic parameters correlated with the development of cranial caliper cephalometry values. In conclusion, the sonographic assessment of skull bone thickness is a safe and cost-effective tool to predict the early efficacy of orthotic helmet therapy in positional plagiocephaly and might, therefore, help the clinician to foresee the potential evolution of the deformity.

Three-dimensional analysis of positional plagiocephaly before and after molding helmet therapy in comparison to normal head growth.

OBJECTIVE: Stereophotogrammetry enables a simple and radiation free longitudinal analysis of skull asymmetries: in a three-dimensional coordinate system various distances (length, breadth, cephalic index, oblique diameters, ear shift, head circumference) can be analyzed. We also defined separate volume sections in order to further quantify the degree of asymmetry in the posterior and anterior components of both sides of the head. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 51 infants (mean age, 6 months; SD 0.97) with positional plagiocephaly, we determined these parameters at the beginning as well as at the end of molding helmet therapy (mean therapy time 4.9 months). Thirty-seven infants without positional deformity (mean age, 6.4 months; SD 0.3) served as control group and provided data about what appears to be normal and how these parameters change during growth over a comparable period of time. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the plagiocephalic heads were more brachycephalic, but closely approximated the normal shape under molding therapy. The striking volume difference between the left and right posterior sections in the plagiocephalic children (the mean volume of the flattened side being 21% smaller than the one on the contralateral side) improved as well (to a residual difference of mean 8%) and ended up with a value close to the control group (mean 6%). CONCLUSION: There is a broad clinical application area for stereophotogrammetry analyzing skull morphology: In plagiocephalic infants we demonstrate impressive changes of head shape under molding therapy; in normal-looking infants we describe the extent of unperceived asymmetry.