Cranial Remolding Orthosis : An Overview

Cranial remolding orthoses, also known as cranial helmets or bands, are medical devices designed to treat infants with cranial deformities. Cranial deformities can occur due to various reasons, such as premature birth, positional plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, scaphocephaly, and other genetic or medical conditions. Cranial remolding orthoses provide a non-invasive, safe, and effective solution for reshaping the skull of infants and young children.

What is Cranial Remolding Orthosis?

Cranial remolding orthosis is a custom-made helmet or band that fits over the infant’s head and is worn for a specific period, depending on the severity of the deformity. The helmet is made of lightweight and durable materials such as plastic, foam, and other composite materials that allow for growth and development of the infant’s head while gradually correcting the deformity.

How Does it Work?

Cranial remolding orthoses work by applying a gentle, constant pressure on the infant’s skull to reshape and redirect the growth of the head. The helmet is designed to provide specific areas of contact on the infant’s head, which exert pressure on the flat or prominent areas, while allowing the rounder parts to grow and expand. The pressure applied is not painful, and the infant can continue their regular activities while wearing the helmet, such as sleeping, eating, and playing.

Who Needs Cranial Remolding Orthosis?

Infants with cranial deformities such as positional plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and scaphocephaly are the primary candidates for cranial remolding orthoses. Positional plagiocephaly is a flat spot on the side or back of the head, often caused by the infant’s sleeping position. Brachycephaly is a flattened or widened head shape, and scaphocephaly is a long and narrow head shape. Other genetic or medical conditions such as craniosynostosis or syndromic craniosynostosis may also require the use of cranial remolding orthoses.

How is Cranial Remolding Orthosis Fitted?

The process of fitting cranial remolding orthoses involves several steps.

First, the infant undergoes a diagnostic evaluation to assess the severity and cause of the cranial deformity.

Then, a custom-made helmet or band is designed based on the infant’s head shape and the degree of correction required. The helmet is made of a lightweight and breathable material that allows for proper ventilation and reduces the risk of skin irritation.

The infant is fitted with the helmet by a trained orthotist, who ensures that the helmet is comfortable, snug, and provides adequate contact and pressure on the affected areas. The helmet is then adjusted periodically, depending on the infant’s growth and the degree of correction required. The orthotist will also provide instructions on how to care for the helmet, such as cleaning, maintenance, and monitoring for any signs of skin irritation or pressure sores.

Benefits of Cranial Remolding Orthosis

Cranial remolding orthoses offer several benefits for infants with cranial deformities. Firstly, they provide a non-invasive and safe solution that does not require surgery or medication. Secondly, they are effective in reshaping the head and correcting the deformity, often resulting in a better cosmetic appearance and improved self-esteem. Finally, they can improve the infant’s overall quality of life, by reducing the risk of developmental delays, neurological deficits, and other health issues associated with cranial deformities.

Cranial remolding orthosis is a specialized field within the orthotics and prosthetics profession, designed to treat infants with cranial deformities. It is a safe and effective solution that provides a non-invasive, custom-made helmet or band to reshape