Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly: factors impacting onset, treatment, and outcomes
Joseph E Losee1, A Corde Mason, Jason Dudas
1Pittsburgh, Pa. From the Division of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and Departments of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Anthropology, Surgery (Plastic), and Orthodontics, University of Pittsburgh.
Insights
Nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly is linked to torticollis, multiple births, and higher socioeconomic status. Breastfeeding may be protective, and helmet therapy is more effective than repositioning for infant head shape correction.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric medicine
- Infant health
- Cranial deformities
Background:
- Nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly is a common infant condition requiring further investigation.
- Understanding factors influencing its development and treatment is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate factors affecting the onset, treatment, and outcomes of nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly.
- To identify potential risk factors and preventative measures for this condition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review and telephone survey of 105 infants with nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly.
- Assessment of demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors including feeding, torticollis, and birth history.
- Utilized a posterior occipital deformation severity score to quantify outcomes.
Main Results:
- Higher socioeconomic status, torticollis, and multiple births were associated with nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly.
- Breastfeeding rates were lower in affected infants compared to the general population.
- Helmet therapy showed greater efficacy in correcting head shape compared to repositioning alone.
Conclusions:
- Torticollis, plural births, and socioeconomic affluence are potential risk factors for nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly.
- Breastfeeding may offer a protective effect, potentially due to increased repositioning and shorter sleep durations.
- Cranial molding helmet therapy remains a more effective treatment than repositioning for this condition.
Background:
Nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly remains a diagnosis of concern in infancy. This study evaluates factors affecting the onset, treatment, and outcomes of nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review and telephone survey were performed. A posterior occipital deformation severity score was used. Factors such as demographics, behavioral and helmet therapy, feeding patterns, torticollis, multiple gestation pregnancies, prematurity, and congenital nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly were evaluated.
Results:
One hundred five infants were identified. Of these, 95 percent were Caucasian, 93 percent were from two-parent households, and 70 percent were from households earning more than $50,000. Repositioning was attempted in 95 percent, and 45 percent progressed to helmet therapy. When comparing change in posterior occipital deformation severity score with helmet therapy to repositioning, a difference was found (p < 0.05). Forty-nine percent of patients were breast-fed, and when compared with the general population, a difference was found (p < 0.05). Twenty percent of infants had torticollis, and when compared with population norms, a difference was found (p < 0.05). Twelve percent of patients were twins, and when compared with population norms, more twinning occurred (p < 0.05). Congenital nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly was found in 10 percent of patients and did not result in an increased risk of progression to helmet therapy.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates trends that may predict additional risks for developing nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly, including torticollis, plural births, and increased socioeconomic affluence. In addition, the nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly cohort was breast-fed less than the general population, demonstrating that breast-feeding may be preventative, as breast-fed infants are repositioned more frequently and sleep for shorter periods. As in other studies, cranial molding helmet therapy was more effective in correcting nonsynostotic occipital plagiocephaly than repositioning alone.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Prosopagnosia
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...