A Simple Evaluation Method Using a "Sun-Wukong's Headband" Wire for Positional Plagiocephaly Correction after Cranial Remodeling Helmet Therapy.
- Author:
Chanwoo KIM
1
;
Young Bae LEE
;
Dae Hwan PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu, Korea. psman007@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Deformational plagiocephaly;
Positional plagiocephaly;
Non-synostotic plagiocephaly
- MeSH:
Congenital Abnormalities;
Eyebrows;
Head;
Head Protective Devices;
Humans;
Memory;
Parents;
Plagiocephaly;
Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic
- From:Journal of the Korean Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association
2011;12(1):28-32
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: A cranioremodeling helmet for correcting plagiocephaly was recently developed. However, no discrete objective methods to evaluate how the deformity is being corrected have been developed. We have established an easy and cost-effective method that can be used not only to show the correction process, but can also be used by physicians to assess the degree of plagiocephaly two-dimensionally. METHODS: For two-dimensional evaluation, a length of malleable memory wire (2 mm in diameter) resembling "Sun-Wukong's headband" was placed on the patient's head. The wire around the patient's head was positioned on a plane including points 1 cm above the eyebrow and 1 cm above the auricle. The wire was placed on a sheet of paper and the outline was marked using pens of various colors during each visit. The degree of plagiocephaly correction could then be shown to the patient's parents at every consultation. RESULTS: The method established by the present study easily shows the horizontal cross-section transformation of the head, illustrates plagiocephaly correction by the helmet, and shows the degree of correction in a two-dimensional manner. CONCLUSION: A soft-shell helmet is widely used for correcting plagiocephaly. However, evaluating the effectiveness of the helmet has been determined in a subjective manner, and a more objective method is now in demanded. Our study found that a "Sun-Wukong's headband" wire can accurately measure two-dimensional changes. Future studies will be required to identify landmarks needed for assessing plagiocephaly correction.
