Longitudinal, three-dimensional analysis of head shape in children with and without deformational plagiocephaly or brachycephaly

J Pediatr. 2012 Apr;160(4):673-678.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.09.059. Epub 2011 Nov 13.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess 3-dimensional (3D) changes in head shape in infancy and at age 18 months in children with and without plagiocephaly or brachycephaly.

Study design: Using a longitudinal design, we evaluated head shape using 3D surface imaging. We compared the head shapes of children with (1) diagnosed deformational plagiocephaly or brachycephaly (cases; n=233); (2) unaffected controls, with no evidence of dysmorphology (n=167); and (3) affected controls, who despite having no previous diagnosis demonstrated skull dysmorphology on 3D surface imaging (n=70).

Results: Cases had greater skull flattening and asymmetry than unaffected controls at both time points, as did controls with skull dysmorphology. In all groups, head shapes became less flat and more symmetric over time. Among cases, symmetry improved slightly more for those who received orthotic treatment.

Conclusions: Although head shape improves over time for children with deformational plagiocephaly or brachycephaly, skull dysmorphology persists relative to unaffected controls. Further research is needed to clarify the extent to which these differences are detectable to clinicians and lay observers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Craniosynostoses / pathology*
  • Female
  • Head / anatomy & histology*
  • Head / growth & development
  • Head / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Plagiocephaly / pathology*