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CRANIAL REMOLDING ORTHOSIS
It is not uncommon for babies to present with an unusual head shape at birth. However, if this persists, the child may have a condition known as plagiocephaly. Your pediatrician will make the diagnosis or will refer you to a specialist.
It can be overwhelming for parents when they are informed that their child has this condition. However, plagiocephaly can be successfully treated with a cranial band and WCBL will be able to assist you through the process.
Positional Cranial Deformities:
Plagiocephaly is characterized by the flattening of one side of the back of the head and a protrusion of the forehead on the same side. The ear on that side is displaced forward and the cheek is also more prominent. Plagiocephaly is the most common abnormal head shape.
Brachycephaly refers to an abnormally short and wide head shape with even flattening of the back. Forehead bulging is often noted in these cases.
Scaphocephaly is most often found in premature babies and describes and head shape that is narrow and long. Babies with Scaphocephaly have, generally, spent extended periods of time lying on their sides for medical reasons.
Causes:
These deformities can be caused by intrauterine conditions, premature birth, sleeping position, congenital muscular torticollis, etc. Independently of the cause, it is important to recognize the condition early in order to achieve the best possible treatment results.
Treatment of Positional Cranial Deformities:
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Cranial orthoses have been used by orthotists to effectively treat cranial deformities for many years.
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The orthosis is designed to promote symmetry and proportion by directing the cranial growth. Contact is maintained with the prominent areas and space is incorporated over the flat areas.
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Westcoast Brace and Limb is a provider of the Starband™ which is FDA approved.
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The Starband™ weighs approximately 6-7 oz and is fabricated from a mold or a digital scan of the infant’s head.
Treatment process:
The cranial band is worn 23 hours a day—1 hour is reserved for bathing of the child and cleaning the band. The length of treatment will depend on the age of the infant and severity of the condition.
The child is monitored closely while undergoing treatment and follow-up visits are scheduled bi-weekly. During these visits, measurements of the baby’s head are taken and adjustments are made to the band to accommodate growth and changes in head shape.
What to expect on your first visit at Westcoast Brace and Limb:
If you have a prescription for a cranial band for your child, the next step is to contact our office for an appointment. Our staff is trained to assist with insurance issues and guide you through the process of verifying your coverage and obtaining authorization for the treatment. The pre-authorization process can take up to 4 weeks, depending on the insurance plan.
During the first visit to our office we will discuss the treatment and allow you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. We will then obtain a series of 6 clinical photographs of the child’s head—this will allow for comparison when treatment is completed. The last part of the visit will involve scanning your child’s head for the fabrication of the cranial band. We suggest that you try to make baby-sitting arrangements for other siblings as we will need your full attention during this visit.
Before you leave our office an appointment will be made for the fitting of the band, in approximately 10 days.
Fitting Appointment:
If possible, try to schedule the fitting of the band after your baby’s feeding and nap time. This will ensure that they will be happier and more accepting of the process. Just as in the first visit, fitting day will also require your full attention. We will go over the wearing and care procedure in detail during this visit.
Treatment Outcome:
After the baby has worn the orthosis for a specific period of time, we will scan the head again to help your referring physician determine if it is appropriate to end the treatment.
Another series of clinical photographs are obtained at the final visit. The parents will receive a copy of the scan and the pre and post treatment photos.
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