Cranial Remolding

You or your child’s physician may have identified some asymmetry or flattening in your child’s head shape. We understand this can be alarming but do not worry as it is completely treatable. There are many classifications of head shapes and the most common type is plagiocephaly which is sometimes called “flat head syndrome.” These conditions can be effectively managed through non-invasive treatment methods.

Click here to view head shape conditions

Our practitioners specialize in the orthotic treatment of positional plagiocephaly. Treatment may include parental education on infant repositioning techniques, and/or a cranial remolding orthosis. We work closely with area craniofacial surgeons, neurologists and neurosurgeons to determine the best plan of care for each baby.

DOWNLOAD CRANIAL MOLDING BROCHURE

The Process

Early intervention is key in the success of managing head shape conditions. The cranial orthosis is a custom fabricated helmet specific for each baby. Below is what you can expect from start to finish.

A thorough evaluation of an infant’s head shape is completed during the first visit at Westcoast Brace & Limb.  After obtaining the baby’s history from his or her parents or care givers, measurements are taken.  The baby’s head is then scanned and a series of six clinical photographs are taken.  These photographs are repeated at the end of the treatment for comparison.

Parents or care givers return with their baby after about ten days for delivery of the orthosis. During this visit, time is spent optimizing the fit of the orthosis and providing thorough wear/care instructions and answering any questions that arise.

When choosing to proceed with treatment, it is important to consider that follow-up visits are essential to treatment success.  Visits are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the baby’s age and growth rate.

Measurements are taken at every follow-up visit.  These measurements help monitor head growth and document progress.  Modifications to the cranial orthosis are made to accommodate the changes that are occurring and to ensure that there is always space for growth in the desired areas.

Once it is determined that the desired correction of the head shape has been achieved, parents or care givers return with their baby for a final visit. On that day, new clinical photographs are taken and the baby’s head is scanned again.  The parents receive a copy of the pre- and post-treatment photographs and scan reports.

Your little one will also receive a Westcoast Kids Graduation Certificate to celebrate being helmet free.

Your baby’s new helmet is a blank canvas!  We provide fun decorative options to reflect your baby’s unique personality.

cranial molding helmet
cranial molding helmet
cranial molding helmet
cranial molding helmet

Now Providing the STARband 3D 

• Made with the latest 3D printing technology
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Increased ventilation for better airflow and cooling
• Bi-valve design enhances ease of use

• Advanced modification algorithms developed over 25 years of experience with more than 600,000
STARbands produced
• Made with the latest additive manufacturing technology
• Zone padding provides adjustability over the entire treatment period
• Finished trim lines
• Bi-valve design enhances ease of donning/doffing
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Increased ventilation for better airflow and cooling

3D printing offers different levels of design flexibility while still maintaining the structural integrity needed with reduced weight and minimizing waste with environmentally friendly materials.

Starband 3D cranial remolding baby helmet

Gwyneth – Plagiocephaly Patient

“My husband and I started noticing our daughter Gwyneth developing a flat spot on her head when she was 3 months old. When she went in for her 4 month well visit her doctor sent us to a specialist, where we were told that Gwyneth had plagiocephaly and that we should try repositioning her during sleep for a month. With no success on repositioning we were then referred to Westcoast Brace and Limb. The orthotist measured and scanned our daughter’s head and talked to us about a cranial orthosis. Initially my husband and I were worried about putting our baby in a helmet, but after doing extensive research and speaking with the staff at Westcoast Brace & Limb, the decision was much easier to make. Her head looks wonderful now!”

—Katie Metz, Mother

FREE CONSULTATION

Through our commitment to restoring bodies and rebuilding lives, we work to empower individuals with the tools they need to retain or regain their independence. This is why, for more than 40 years, Westcoast Brace & Limb has been a Leading Provider of Custom Orthotic and Prosthetic Devices. 

SCHEDULE TODAY

New patients can schedule an initial free consultation. We’re ready to help you start your new O & P journey. Click below to get started.

CONTACT US