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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
Outcome analysis of helmet therapy for positional plagiocephaly using a three-dimensional surface scanning laser
James T Thompson1, Lisa R David, Benjamin Wood
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA. jimthomp@wfubmc.edu
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|March 5, 2009
Summary
Positional plagiocephaly treatment using soft helmets and laser scanning shows significant head shape improvement. Patient compliance with this therapy is key to achieving optimal outcomes in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Biomedical engineering
- Craniofacial abnormalities
Background:
- Positional plagiocephaly incidence has significantly increased.
- Current treatment and outcome assessment methods for plagiocephaly are diverse.
- Objective outcome measurement is crucial for evaluating plagiocephaly interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of passive soft helmet molding therapy for positional plagiocephaly.
- To introduce a three-dimensional (3D) surface scanning laser for objective outcome assessment.
- To correlate patient compliance with treatment success.
Main Methods:
- One hundred seventy-five infants with positional plagiocephaly were enrolled.
- Customized soft foam helmets were utilized for treatment.
- A 3D surface scanning laser system was employed for objective asymmetry measurements.
Main Results:
- The 3D scanning laser provided objective data on head symmetry.
- Significant head shape improvement was observed around 4 months of therapy.
- Higher patient compliance correlated with superior treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Passive soft helmet molding therapy is effective for positional plagiocephaly.
- Objective assessment using 3D scanning laser confirms treatment efficacy.
- Patient compliance is a critical factor for successful helmet therapy outcomes.
