The cranial orthosis: a remedial solution
A little history
In the past, according to eras and cultures, cranial deformities have been intentionally practiced.
Across the world, archaeologists have found deformed skulls testifying to the practice of voluntary reshaping by external restraint from birth. (Incas, Egyptians, Australian Aborigines)
Orthopedic treatment by cranial orthosis was described by Claren et Al in 1979 to combat plagiocephaly.
In the United States, cranial orthotics have been regulated by the United States Medicines Agency, and helmet therapy has been a recognized standard since 1994.
In France, the prescription of cranial orthosis by health professionals is increasing but is still too marginal.
The cranial orthosis: tailor-made
Orthosis treatment consists of reshaping the child's skull by guiding cranial growth.
Like an orthodontic treatment which allows to straighten the teeth.
The cranial orthosis is a therapeutic device that directs and directs the bone growth of the baby's skull to correct deformities.
The cranial orthosis also called "helmet", consists of a rigid outer shell covered inside with flexible foam.
Inside the helmet, expansion zones (free spaces) are created between the helmet and the flattened parts of the skull to be corrected. Areas of contact with the prominent parts of the skull exert gentle pressures to contain and redirect bone growth.
Each orthosis is unique and specifically made to measure to adapt to the morphology of the baby's skull to be corrected.
The duration of orthopedic treatment with a helmet is variable: it depends on the age of the child and the severity of the deformity.
On average the treatment lasts: 4 - 6 months.
The helmet must be worn 22h / 24h. (Babies tolerate wearing a helmet very well)
The cranial orthosis as a last resort
From 6 months the skulls of babies become less malleable
and his bone growth is greatly slowed down.
If a significant deformation of the baby's skull persists despite the repositioning treatment, osteopathy and / or physiotherapy sessions
then helmet treatment should be considered.
After 12 months, babies' skulls become rigid and their
very weak growth.
The effectiveness of helmet therapy is extremely
reduced beyond 12 months of the child.
The implementation of helmet therapy beyond
of this age, remains at the discretion of
specialized professionals and families.
But never after 18 months.
In 2017, a German study affirms the importance of acting quickly.
The earlier the cranial orthosis treatment is started,
the more effective and short the treatment.
(https://insights.ovid.com/crossref?an=00006534-201708000-00022)
Treatment by cranial orthosis is recommended:
- from 6 months for cranial deformations
(Plagiocephaly - brachycephaly) of moderate and severe severity. - in the face of extreme deformation, treatment can begin
at 5 months.
Numerous studies attest to the effectiveness of helmet treatment.
Some are controversial for their lack of scientific precision.
Cranial orthosis centers
Orthopedic treatment with a helmet is carried out in specialized centers.
The cost of treatment varies depending on the Center: from 900 to 4,500 euros.
For ethical and non-commercial reasons, the Baby Skull company decided not to list the treatment centers by cranial orthosis.
