[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.
Feijen
Michelle M W
MM
Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum, Afd. Plastische Chirurgie, Maastricht, The Netherlands. michellefeijen@gmail.com
Claessens
Edith A W M Habets
EA
Dovens
Anke J Leenders
AJ
Vles
Johannes S
JS
van der Hulst
Rene R W J
RR
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