Head Shape
Diagnosis and Treatment of Positional Plagiocephaly
How positional plagiocephaly is diagnosed clinically, risk factors from birth and torticollis, and conservative options including repositioning and helmet therapy.
Positional plagiocephaly in infants is increasing. It is an asymmetric cranial deformation with several contributing factors:
- First birth
- Assisted delivery
- Multiple pregnancy
- Prematurity
- Congenital muscular torticollis
Positional plagiocephaly can usually be diagnosed clinically through physical examination. One simple way to assess severity is a diagonal caliper that measures the difference between diagonal lengths on both sides of the head during examination. Plagiocephaly may be managed surgically or conservatively. When craniosynostosis is not present, positional plagiocephaly is treated conservatively. Conservative options include repositioning, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and helmet therapy. Helmet fitting, when indicated, is provided at CranioWell Orthotics & Prosthetics Centers.
Systematic approaches to clinical examination, diagnosis, and treatment of positional plagiocephaly are useful, and age-appropriate care is recommended.
Source:
Diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephaly
Bok Ki Jung, In Sik Yun
Arch Craniofac Surg. 2020 Apr; 21(2): 80–86. Published online 2020 Apr 20. doi: 10.7181/acfs.2020.00059
PMCID:
PMC7206465
