Head Shape Retention Following Helmet Therapy for Deformational Plagiocephaly

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether any change can be expected in the 6-month period after completing treatment with a molding helmet for deformational plagiocephaly. A retrospective review of helmeted patients from a deformational plagiocephaly clinic from May 2010 to June 2011.

A total of 71 individuals with 6-month follow-up after completion of molding helmet treatment were identified. About 51 males and 20 females ranged in age from 2 to 10 months at initial treatment. The main outcome measure was the amount of change in head shape in the 6-month period following molding helmet therapy.

During the course of helmet treatment cephalic index and cranial vault asymmetry both decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Posthelmet follow-ups revealed a further decrease in cephalic index (P < 0.001). Although the cranial vault asymmetry decreased slightly between the final helmeting visit and the follow-up visit, this change was not statistically significant (P = 0.292). Controlling for other factors, continued normalization was not significantly related to helmeting duration.

Findings revealed both cephalic index and cranial vault asymmetry improved while in the helmet. During the 6 months following helmet treatment, cephalic index continued to improve; cranial vault asymmetry changed only insignificantly in this same period.