Brief introduction to helmeting
The STAR family of cranial remolding orthoses is used to treat deformational plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, scaphocephaly and other head shape deformities in infants 3—18 months of age. Thousands of infants have been successfully treated with the STARband, which was the first cranial orthosis available to practitioners across the United States with FDA clearance in 2000. Orthomerica applied for and received FDA clearance in 2002 for the STARlight designs and the Clarren Helmet. These orthoses can be used to effectively manage a broad spectrum of head shape deformities and clinical indications. The Clarren Helmet was designed by Sterling Clarren, MD, and has been used successfully for 23 years. Dr. Clarren developed the first cranial remolding orthosis and treatment protocols for orthotic care, and published the results in 1979.

• Orthomerica’s cranial remolding orthoses can be fabricated from a positive modified cast, unmodified cast, or a scan of the infant’s head using the STARscanner.
• Quick, reliable turnaround time.
• The STARband, STARlight and Clarren Helmet designs provide total contact over the prominent areas of the skull and leave voids over the flattened areas to provide a pathway for more symmetrical skull growth.
• The STARlight bivalved design is effective for treating scaphocephaly and other head shape deformities.
• Treatment generally takes 3–4 months, but varies depending on the infant’s age and severity of cranial asymmetry.
• Clinical consultation is available through our staff of ABC certified orthotists.

One Family’s Experience...

Around five months of age, we started to notice our son’s head becoming flat in the back on the left side. Lucas continually favored his left side while lying down and also while in his swing, car seat and bouncy seat. When we voiced our concerns to our pediatrician, she referred us to a neurologist specializing in pediatrics.
After the initial exam, the neurologist prescribed a STARband cranial remolding orthosis. We were concerned that Lucas would not tolerate wearing a helmet for 23 hours a day for 3 months. We were also concerned as his parents, how the stigma of Lucas wearing a helmet would affect us. We recognized the need for him to wear the helmet and knew it was the right thing to do in order for his head to form properly.

Our concerns quickly subsided when we met an orthotist who worked directly with Orthomerica, the manufacturer of the STARband. Everyone involved made us feel comfortable and answered any questions we had. They were especially nice and gentle to Lucas during the fitting process. After just a few outings with Lucas wearing his new “jungle print helmet”, we were no longer concerned with how people would react.

A major factor that made us feel even more comfortable was that the STARband did not bother Lucas. From the first time he put it on, he never tried to take it off and he was quickly wearing it 23 hours a day with no problems. Right away, we decided as a family that we would be dedicated to following the program. After three months of wearing the STARband, we were so very pleased when the neurologist told us that Lucas’ head was corrected, and he no longer needed to wear it. Now at almost eight months old, no one would know that he had a problem with his head.

As a pediatric nurse, I am well aware of the benefits of early intervention.As a mother, I understand the concerns parents face in caring for a child with this condition. Thanks to our orthotist and Orthomerica for making our experience a pleasurable one.

Elyse and Paul Davis

Efficacy Of STARband Cranial Remolding Orthoses
A study published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery from researchers at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta studied the effectiveness of the STAR-band using the STARscanner for shape acquisition and documentation. This study also documented 16 infants diagnosed
with deformational plagiocephaly whose families declined treatment. All but three of the untreated subjects only changed in parameters related to growth and did not improve significantly in symmetry or proportional variables. The 206 infants treated with the STARband demonstrated significant improvement in all 25 variables including those related to cross sectional measurements and volume comparisons between right and left anterior, posterior and overall symmetry ratios.29  

Can STAR Cranial Remolding Orthoses Help Resolve The Deleterious Effects Of Head Shape Deformities?
The more rounded occipital portion of STAR Cranial Remolding Orthoses allows the infant’s head to turn more freely instead of resting on the flattened area of the occiput. The bossed area no longer acts as a barrier to rolling, allowing the infant to turn easily—facilitating the development of more advanced motor skills. The orthosis also provides space in the affected flattened areas to prevent further deformity at night when the baby is supine and when the infant is positioned for protection in the car seat.

In both of these positions the infant has more neck mobility in the STAR orthosis because the more rounded occipital area allows symmetrical turning and midline positioning. Many caregivers report that their babies begin to roll and are more active after they begin orthotic treatment. No study has ever documented that cranial remolding orthoses interfere with skill development although there is certainly clinical evidence that prior to any intervention, babies with deformational plagiocephaly may have developmental issues30, 31, 32, visual tracking problems33, mandibular asymmetry34, and auditory issues.35

Since 2000, over 40,000 infants have benefited from the STAR Cranial Remolding Orthosis Program. The child's physical appearance is transformed by the treatment process as the head is gently re-shaped to improve symmetry and proportion. Perhaps even more importantly, STAR Orthoses help normalize the position of the skull plates and frontal bones to ensure that the child's rapidly expanding brain can process sensory information from a more normal mid-line orientation. This well-documented and successful treatment program provides non-invasive intervention that positively impacts a child's development for a lifetime.

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Free information for parents wanting to know how to reposition baby to prevent or assist in the correction of plagio:

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