When infants need orthotic care, Stellar Prosthetics Orthotics truly lives up to our promise of team care. Early intervention in pediatric orthotic care can have a dramatic impact on the rest of a patient's life, so at Stellar Prosthetics Orthotics, we always work with parents, therapists, and physicians to provide the best possible care.

We strongly support and encourage a team approach when treating children. Coordinating care with a Therapist and Physician provides a complete approach to their orthotic needs. Regularly scheduled follow-up appointments are also an important factor. They allow us to keep up with the size and activity changes occuring.

What is Plagiocephaly?

Technically, plagiocephaly is "a malformation of the head marked by an oblique slant to the main axis of the skull." However, more recently, the term has been applied to any condition characterized by a persistent flat spot on the back or side of the head.

It is important to distinguish between abnormal head shape caused by positioning (or deformation) and abnormal head shape caused the premature closure of cranial sutures (know as craniosynostosis). Positional (or deformational) abnormal head shapes can be corrected without surgery (by repositioning or cranial orthoses). Synostotic abnormal head shapes may require surgery. If left untreated, children with plagiocephaly, especially those with moderate to severe plagiocephaly may experience other medical issues later in life.

A number of studies have associated the recent dramatic increase in the number of children with flat heads with the "back to sleep campaign." Since more children are sleeping on their backs the incidence of flattening has increased. This condition can be much worse on one side if a child preferentially sleeps with that side down. Positional (or deformational) plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome, results from preferentially lying on one side of the head. Deformational brachycephaly is a flattening across the back of the head. The two conditions (plagiocephaly and brachycephaly) sometimes occur together.

Stellar Prosthetics Orthotics strives to provide accurate and accountable results because the issues of abnormal head shape are very complex. If you have questions about your child's head shape, Stellar Prosthetics Orthotics suggests that you call for a consultation at one of our four convenient locations. Stellar Prosthetics Orthotics employs the STARscanner™ LASER DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM to image and measure your child's head primarily because of its accuracy, minimal invasiveness, reporting and data capabilities.

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