Illinois Company Develops Special Cranial Helmets to Make Life Easier for Children With Torticollis

Infant from Normal benefits from cutting-edge treatment

PEORIA /PRNewswire/ -- Peter Metivier of Normal, Illinois was born with torticollis, a condition where neck muscles are too short and tight due to cramped womb space or muscle damage during birth. Torticollis limits head movement and often leads to plagiocephaly or the flattening of the skull, as a result of the baby constantly reclining in the same position.
While torticollis can improve through physical therapy, and plagiocephaly can improve without intervention, pediatricians often refer patients to a specialist of cranial remolding orthoses.
These plastic and foam helmets are used to gently reshape a baby’s head. Treatment is most effective if begun at four to six months, as minimal correction is possible beyond 18 months. Lack of treatment can lead to developmental delays, visual impairment and misaligned ears, eyes, and jaw.
Upon being diagnosed with torticollis, Peter was referred to a physical therapist and pediatric neurosurgeon. After several weeks of evaluation and treatment, a cranial remolding orthosis was recommended.
Craig A. “Tony” Plattner, CO, FAAOP of Plattner Orthopedic Company evaluated Peter at four months and fitted him with Orthomerica’s STARband cranial helmet.
“We saw incredible adjustment to his head after the first two weeks,” said Peter’s mother, Sarah Metivier. “It was amazing to see how correctable plagiocephaly can be with a cranial band.”
Plattner’s clinic uses the Orthomerica STARscanner system, a revolutionary, eye-safe, laser system that scans a child’s head in under two seconds. Providing detailed measurements, it is faster and cleaner than the plaster casting formerly used to obtain the same information. Measurements can be easily acquired before, during, and after treatment to ensure the best possible fit for cranial remolding orthoses.
Serving the community for over 62 years, Plattner Orthopedic Company provides a full range of orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic services. The company is based in Peoria. Visit www.plattners.com or call 309.682.1382 for more information.
STARband is custom-made based on a baby’s unique head measurements taken through plaster casting or Orthomerica’s STARscanner. The headband is worn 23 hours a day, channeling head growth by applying constant, gentle pressure on protruding areas while leaving room for growth in depressed ones. The interior is modified often to account for changes. Head shape problems are not life threatening and are correctable if treated by 18 months of age.
Following diagnosis, treatment begins by taking measurements, formerly accomplished through plaster casting of the head - a 15-30 minute traumatic, messy process. Orthomerica’s STARscanner uses non-contact laser scanning technology to obtain precise measurements in 1.5 seconds and capture 3-D measurements accurate within 0.5 mm.
Treatment is most effective when measurements are accurate and submitted promptly, enabling the headband to be made and worn before head shape changes further. For more information visit www.orthomerica.com.
Source: Orthomerica ; Web site: http://www.orthomerica.com/  and   http://www.plattners.com/

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