Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Clinical Efficacy of an Innovative Multidimensional Traction Therapy in Moderate Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Published on: February 10, 2026
[Treatment of posterior positional plagiocephaly]
O Vernet1, S de Ribaupierre, B Cavin
1Service de neurochirurgie, CHU Vaudois, 46, rue du Bugnon, 1011 Lausanne, Suisse. vernet@neurocentre.ch
Insights
The American Academy of Pediatrics
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Craniofacial Abnormalities
- Public Health Recommendations
Background:
- The 1992 "Back to Sleep" campaign significantly reduced SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) rates.
- This led to a rise in posterior positional plagiocephaly diagnoses due to sustained occipital pressure.
- Management strategies for plagiocephaly have evolved but lack standardization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of posterior positional plagiocephaly.
- To discuss diagnostic approaches for infant head shape deformities.
- To present a comprehensive overview of current therapeutic options.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on positional plagiocephaly.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and imaging techniques.
- Synthesis of evidence for various treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Positional plagiocephaly is a common consequence of infant sleep positioning recommendations.
- A range of treatments exist, from conservative measures to surgical interventions.
- Treatment efficacy and standardization remain areas of ongoing development.
Conclusions:
- Posterior positional plagiocephaly is a significant clinical issue following SIDS prevention strategies.
- Multidisciplinary management approaches are often required.
- Further research is needed to standardize optimal treatment protocols.
Abstract:
In 1992, the American academy of paediatrics has recommended that infants be placed on their backs to sleep, because prone sleeping has been correlated with sudden infant death syndrome. Following this article, medical paediatric community has documented an exponential increase in the diagnosis of posterior cranial deformities, which were considered as the consequence of unrelieved pressure onto the occiput during infant sleep. These last 15 years, management of posterior positional plagiocephaly has evolved but is still not standardized; it varies according to local specificities, and medical or parental preferences. Treatment of deformational plagiocephaly includes preventive counseling, repositioning adjustments and exercises, physiotherapy, osteopathy, treatment by dynamic cranial orthosis. On extremely rare occasions, corrective surgery is proposed. This article aims at reviewing the epidemiologic, diagnostic, and various therapeutic options of posterior positional plagiocephaly.
More Related Videos
04:19Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
07:11Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling
Published on: February 5, 2019
