Evidence-Based Care of the Child With Deformational Plagiocephaly, Part I: Assessment and Diagnosis

Abstract Non-synostotic deformational plagiocephaly (DP) is head asymmetry that results from external forces that mold the skull in the first year of life. Primary care providers are most likely to encounter DP when infants present for well-child care, and for this reason it is important that provid...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pediatric health care 2012-07, Vol.26 (4), p.242-250
Main Authors: Looman, Wendy S., PhD, RN, CNP, Kack Flannery, Amanda B., MS, RN, CNP
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advanced Practice Nursing
assessment
cranial asymmetry
Deformational plagiocephaly
Diagnosis, Differential
Evidence-Based Medicine
evidence-based practice
Facial Asymmetry - diagnosis
Facial Asymmetry - etiology
Facial Asymmetry - therapy
Female
Head Protective Devices
Humans
Infant
infant care
Infant, Newborn
Male
Maxillofacial Development
Nursing
Pediatrics
Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic - diagnosis
Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic - etiology
Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic - therapy
Risk Factors
Severity of Illness Index
Sleep
Supine Position
Torticollis - complications
Torticollis - diagnosis
Torticollis - therapy
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Summary:Abstract Non-synostotic deformational plagiocephaly (DP) is head asymmetry that results from external forces that mold the skull in the first year of life. Primary care providers are most likely to encounter DP when infants present for well-child care, and for this reason it is important that providers be competent in assessing, diagnosing, and participating in the prevention and management of DP. The purpose of this two-part series on DP is to present an overview of assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based management of DP for health care providers. In Part I we provide a brief background of DP and associated problems with torticollis and infant development, and we present strategies for visual and anthropometric assessment of the infant with suspected DP. We also provide tools for differentiating DP from craniosynostosis and for classifying the type and severity of lateral and posterior DP. Part II (to be published in a future issue of the Journal of Pediatric Health Care ) provides a synthesis of current evidence and a clinical decision tool for evidence-based management of DP.
ISSN:0891-5245
1532-656X
DOI:10.1016/j.pedhc.2011.10.003