Outcome Analysis of Cranial Molding Therapy in Nonsynostotic Plagiocephaly.
10.5999/aps.2012.39.4.338
- Author:
Han Su YOO
1
;
Dong Kyun RAH
;
Yong Oock KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. sgm635@yuhs.ac
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Head protective device;
Plagicephaly, nonsynostotic;
Treatment outcome
- MeSH:
Congenital Abnormalities;
Fungi;
Head Protective Devices;
Humans;
Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic;
Treatment Outcome
- From:Archives of Plastic Surgery
2012;39(4):338-344
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: It is known that nonsynostotic plagiocephaly does not spontaneously improve, and the craniofacial deformities that result from it. This study was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of helmet therapy for the nonsynostotic plagiocephaly patient, and to suggest a new treatment strategy based on this analysis. METHODS: A total of 108 pediatric patients who had undergone helmet therapy after being diagnosed with nonsynostotic plagiocephaly were included in this study. The patients were classified according to the initiation age of the helmet therapy, severity, and helmet wearing time. The treatment effect was compared using cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) and the cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI), which were obtained from diagonal measurements before and after therapy. RESULTS: The discrepancy of CVA and CVAI of all the patients significantly decreased after helmet therapy. According to the initiation time of helmet therapy, the treatment effect was best at 5 months old or less. The helmet wearing time per day was proportional to the treatment effect up to 20 hours. In addition, the rate of the successful treatment (final CVA < or =5 mm) significantly decreased when the initiation age was 9.1 months or older and the treatment period was less than 7.83 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the effectiveness of the helmet therapy for nonsynostotic plagiocephaly patients. Based on analysis of this study, helmet therapy should be started at the age of 9 months or younger for 7.83 months or more, and the helmet wearing time should be more than 20 hours a day.
