The treatment of the positional plagiocephaly with a new thermoplastic orthotic device

Heading

Abstract

Introduction. An increasing number of infants presenting with posterior cranial asymmetry are referred to the paediatric neurosurgeon for clinical evaluation. Most of these cranial dysmorphisms cannot be due to lambdoidal sinostosis, since they originate from pre- (intrauterine constraint) or postnatal (prematurity, torticollis, sleeping position) predisposing factors that have deformed the cranial vault. In the literature there is broad consensus about the conservative management of this nonsynostotic plagiocephaly by means of "positional therapy" or "orthoplasty moulding" with cranial helmets or bands. Some reports can be found about the effectiveness of so-called dynamic orthotic cranioplasty (DOC) to improve the cranial asymmetry.

Technical note. In order to simplify the manufacturing procedure and improve the modulation of the corrective forces, we have designed a new orthotic device (thermoplastic orthotic device, TOD) using thermoplastic materials that can be moulded directly on the infant's head.

Conclusion. With this technique it is no longer necessary to take any cranial impressions and the orthotic device can be easily remodelled, ensuring perfect adaptability of the device to the cranial vault throughout the entire treatment. Moreover, the superior flexibility of this orthosis allows modulation of the corrective forces.