Helmets (Band)

Question 1

Deformational Plagiocephaly

Answer 1

asymmetric flattening of the skull; because it’s asymmetric only one side of the skull is affected

Question 2

How do you avoid SIDS

Answer 2

Lay children on their backs - but this leads to the asymmetrical flattening

Question 3

How do you treat deformational plagiocephaly

Answer 3

even with severe cases, it’s very treatable. Using repositioning and tummy time can help, as well as the use of a helmet

Question 4

Brachycephaly

Answer 4

back of the head is flattened, making the head wider than normal. In some cases, the forehead bulges out and the head is shorter than normal

Question 5

Doliocephaly

Answer 5

the sides of the head are flattened, making the head narrower than normal. The head ends up being longer than normal

Question 6

Forms of plagiocephaly

Answer 6

Brachycephaly and doliocephaly

Question 7

Assessment methods

Answer 7

Pediatricians and orthotists may use different methods of measuring, but most methods use a caliper or a craniometer. Different anatomical markers are used to help with the assessment

Question 8

Cephalic or cranial index

Answer 8

One measurement– the width of the head is divided by the length of the head and multiplied by 100%

CI (%) = ((eu - eu) / (g - Op)) * 100

Question 9

Normal cranial index

Answer 9

76-88%

Question 10

Brachycephaly cranial index

Answer 10

> 90%

Question 11

Doliocephaly cranial index

Answer 11

<76%

Question 12

Cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) and index (CVAI)

Answer 12

A distance (difference), also called transdiagonal difference or transcranial diagonal difference

Question 13

CVA Measurements

Answer 13

3 - 10 mm - mild
10 - 12 mm - moderate
>12 mm - severe

Question 14

CVAI Measurements

Answer 14

<3.5% - normal
3.5 - 6.25% - reposition
>8.75% - orthosis

Question 15

Asymmetry of a point

Answer 15

using a scan of the entire head, a medial line and tr-tr line is used to define a coordinate center. The distance to the symmetric points is calculate and is used to calculate Ap. This gives a contour map

Question 16

Helmet types

Answer 16

Bi-valve, side open

Question 17

When is a helmet used

Answer 17

when TDD (from the CVA or CVAI) is >17-20 mm

Question 18

Helmets are better at controlling

Answer 18

Rotation

Question 19

An opening on the top of the helmet is good when

Answer 19

there is a lesser deformity

Question 20

For severe deformities, an opening on the top of the helmet leads to

Answer 20

rotation

Question 21

Typical composition

Answer 21

7mm padding, 3mm hard shell

Question 22

Worn

Answer 22

about 23 hours a day, staring around 4mo to 18mo

Question 23

Manufacturers include

Answer 23

Hanger (2000) Boston Bands (3000) Star Band and Clarren (2300 - 4000)

Question 24

Trimline

Answer 24

You want the helmet to be as close to the ear as possible, going from point A on the forehead down to the neck. If the helmet is split, it should be slip over the ear but there shouldn’t be a gap – fill the gap with foam. If it’s open at the top, it should be above the crown.