Cranial remodeling devices: treatment of deformational plagiocephaly and postsurgical applications.

Since the first cranial remodeling devices were introduced in 1979, both their design and availability have continued to evolve. Today, these devices are used to treat deformational plagiocephaly (plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and dolichocephaly) and are used as adjuncts to surgery for craniosynostosis. In deformational plagiocephaly, the goal is to improve cranial symmetry and return the cranium to a more normal proportion. Postoperatively, these devices are used to provide stabilization and to enhance surgical outcomes. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these devices by documenting statistically significant reductions in the cranial vault, skull base, and facial asymmetries as well as improvements in the cephalic index. These studies indicate that cranial remodeling devices play an important role in the treatment of cranial deformations.