Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Changes in Deformational Head Shapes During Repositioning Therapy and Cranial Remolding Treatment.

The surge in deformational head shapes (DHSs) over the past 30 years has led to increased interest in comparing the treatment options of Repositioning Therapy (RT) and a Cranial Remolding Orthosis (CRO). This study investigates the amount and rate of 2D and 3D correction in infants with DHSs during these treatments. A total of 34 infants with DHSs were enrolled (RT group, = 18; CRO group, = 16). Infants were discharged after achieving correction or reaching 12 months of age. Two-dimensional scan/caliper measurements and three-dimensional scan measurements were collected at treatment initiation and conclusion (or 12 months of age). Asymmetric infants in the RT group averaged a 2dCVAI reduction of 3.59 ± 1.57 and 3dCVAI correction of 12.17 ± 13.02 versus 4.44 ± 2.99 and 21.72 ± 15.36 correction in the CRO group (2d = 0.6656; 3d = 0.1417). Disproportionate infants in the RT group averaged a 2dCI reduction of 3.13% ± 2.57% and 3dCI reduction of 24.53 ± 24.01 while the CRO group averaged 5.21% ± 2.78% and 55.98 ± 25.77 (2d = 0.0383*; 3d = 0.0254*). Asymmetrical RT mean 2dCVAI weekly change was 0.21 ± 0.15 while CRO was 0.23 ± 0.17 ( = 0.7796). The 3dCVAI weekly change was 1.05 ± 1.55 in the RT group versus 1.17 ± 0.95 in the CRO group ( = 0.4328). Disproportionate RT mean 2dCI weekly change was 0.12 ± 0.11 while CRO was 0.23 ± 0.11 ( = 0.0440*). The 3dCI weekly change was 0.87 ± 0.91 in the RT group versus 3.02 ± 2.16 in the CRO group ( = 0.0143*). Results indicate that CRO treatment achieves greater total correction and rate of correction. Statistical significance was found in the treatment of disproportional DHSs, but further investigation is needed with a larger sample size.