[Babies with cranial deformity].
Plagiocephaly was diagnosed in a baby aged 4 months and brachycephaly in a baby aged 5 months. Positional or deformational plagio- or brachycephaly is characterized by changes in shape and symmetry of the cranial vault. Treatment options are conservative and may include physiotherapy and helmet therapy. During the last two decades the incidence of positional plagiocephaly has increased in the Netherlands. This increase is due to the recommendation that babies be laid on their backs in order to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. We suggest the following: in cases of positional preference of the infant, referral to a physiotherapist is indicated. In cases of unacceptable deformity of the cranium at the age 5 months, moulding helmet therapy is a possible treatment option.
Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum, Afd. Plastische Chirurgie, Maastricht, The Netherlands. michellefeijen@gmail.com
Michelle M W
MM
Feijen
Edith A W M Habets
EA
Claessens
Anke J Leenders
AJ
Dovens
Johannes S
JS
Vles
Rene R W J
RR
van der Hulst
D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D049068:Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012886:Skull / Q000473:pathology*; D012890:Sleep; D016683:Supine Position