Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Changes in Deformational Head Shapes During Repositioning Therapy and Cranial...

Backgrounds/Objectives: The surge in deformational head shapes (DHSs) over the past 30 years has led to increased interest in comparing the treatment options of Repositioning Therapy (RT) and a Cranial Remolding Orthosis (CRO). This study investigates the amount and rate of 2D and 3D correction in infants with DHSs during these treatments. Methods: A total of 34 infants with DHSs were enrolled (RT group, n = 18; CRO group, n = 16). Infants were discharged after achieving correction or reaching 12 months of age. Two-dimensional scan/caliper measurements and three-dimensional scan measurements were collected at treatment initiation and conclusion (or 12 months of age). Results: Asymmetric infants in the RT group averaged a 2dCVAI reduction of 3.59 ± 1.57 and 3dCVAI correction of 12.17 ± 13.02 versus 4.44 ± 2.99 and 21.72 ± 15.36 correction in the CRO group (2d p = 0.6656; 3d p = 0.1417). Disproportionate infants in the RT group averaged a 2dCI reduction of 3.13% ± 2.57% and 3dCI reduction of 24.53 ± 24.01 while the CRO group averaged 5.21% ± 2.78% and 55.98 ± 25.77 (2d p = 0.0383*; 3d p = 0.0254*). Asymmetrical RT mean 2dCVAI weekly change was 0.21 ± 0.15 while CRO was 0.23 ± 0.17 (p = 0.7796). The 3dCVAI weekly change was 1.05 ± 1.55 in the RT group versus 1.17 ± 0.95 in the CRO group (p = 0.4328). Disproportionate RT mean 2dCI weekly change was 0.12 ± 0.11 while CRO was 0.23 ± 0.11 (p = 0.0440*). The 3dCI weekly change was 0.87 ± 0.91 in the RT group versus 3.02 ± 2.16 in the CRO group (p = 0.0143*). Conclusions: Results indicate that CRO treatment achieves greater total correction and rate of correction. Statistical significance was found in the treatment of disproportional DHSs, but further investigation is needed with a larger sample size.