Diagnosis and Treatment of Deformational Plagiocephaly

Chung, Kyu Jin; Kim, Yong Ha

Abstract

It is important to distinguish deformational plagiocephaly from craniosynostosis, the two conditions are different with respect to clinical progression and treatment options. Deformational plagiocephaly is diagnosed based on the patient's medical history and physical examination. Until recently, there has been no standardized method of evaluation. Visual assessment, anthropometric assessment, digital scanning, and radiologic evaluation are mostly commonly used modalities for diagnosis and assessment. Treatment of deformational plagiocephaly requires an understanding of natural progression of the disease. Deformational plagiocephaly should be classified according to its severity before the proper method and time for treatment are determined. Treatment includes repositioning, physiotherapy and remodeling with the use of orthotic devices. In general, repositioning is preferred for patients younger than six months old while treatment with the use of orthotic devices such as helmet is preferred for patients over six months old. Moreover, treatment with the use of orthotic devices is also favored for severe plagiocephaly. There is continuing research on the relation between deformational plagiocephaly and developmental delay.