Complications associated with molding helmet therapy for positional plagiocephaly: a review.
Molding helmet therapy is a widely accepted treatment for positional plagiocephaly that is generally considered to be low risk. Multiple large outcome studies have shown good results, but adverse events are rarely reported. The literature on helmet therapy was reviewed to clarify the clinical experience with associated complications. Although significant complications were extremely rare, there was a large degree of variability in detection of lesser problems such as minor skin irritation. Patients with a primarily brachycephalic morphology may be at higher risk for poorly fitting orthoses. Most reported complications are minor and self-limited. Maintenance of good helmet hygiene appears to be the most effective strategy for reducing or eliminating complications.
Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Norton Neuroscience Institute and Kosair Children's Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky.
William C
WC
Gump
Ian S
IS
Mutchnick
Thomas M
TM
Moriarty
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004867:Equipment Design; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D049068:Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies