Diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephaly.

Abstract

Positional plagiocephaly is increasing in infants. Positional plagiocephaly is an asymmetric deformation of skull due to various reasons; first birth, assisted labor, multiple pregnancy, prematurity, congenital muscular torticollis and position of head. Positional plagiocephaly can mostly be diagnosed clinically and by physical examinations. The simplest way to assess the severity of plagiocephaly is to use a diagonal caliper during physical examination, which measures the difference between the diagonal lengths on each side of the head. Plagiocephaly can be treated surgically or conservatively. Positional plagiocephaly, which is not accompanied by craniosynostosis, is treated conservatively. Conservative treatments involve a variety of treatments, such as change of positions, physiotherapy, massage therapy, and helmet therapy. Systematic approaches to clinical examination, diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephaly can be necessary and the age-appropriate treatment is recommended for patients with positional plagiocephaly.