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There are a few reasons why research into helmet therapy in the UK is limited. Plagiocephaly is not routinely managed in the same way across services, and head shape measurements are not always recorded during infancy. Because of this, much of the published research comes from outside the UK.

Conservative treatment compared with helmet therapy

Study: Conducted at Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago (2004-2011), analysing 4,378 babies.
Published: Journal of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (March 2015).

Results:

  • Conservative treatment (repositioning and physiotherapy):
    • 77.1% achieved complete correction.
    • 15.8% needed to transition to helmet therapy.
    • 7.1% had incomplete correction.
  • Helmet therapy (first-line treatment):
    • 94.4% achieved complete correction.
    • 96.1% of babies who failed conservative therapy later achieved full correction with helmets.
  • Babies in the helmet group generally had more severe head asymmetry and were older than those in the repositioning group.

Risk factors for treatment failure:

  • Conservative treatment:
    • poor compliance
    • older age
    • prolonged torticollis
    • more severe cranial ratio
    • developmental delay
  • Helmet therapy failure risks:
    • poor adherence
    • older age

This study suggests that helmet therapy may be particularly helpful for babies with more marked plagiocephaly or brachycephaly, while repositioning may be helpful for younger babies with milder head shape differences. Treatment decisions should always be based on the individual baby’s presentation and clinical history.

View research paper here

Helmet therapy compared with no helmet therapy

This study compared babies treated with a helmet with babies who did not receive helmet treatment.

Study details

  • 128 infants enrolled (62 with helmet therapy, 66 without).

Reported results:

    • babies treated with a helmet showed 68% improvement
    • babies without helmet showed 31% improvement
    • babies with more severe asymmetry appeared to benefit most from helmet therapy

These findings add to the wider evidence suggesting that helmet therapy may be beneficial for some babies, particularly where asymmetry is more pronounced. Outcomes can vary depending on age, severity and time in treatment.

View research paper here

 

Treat plagiocephaly with the LOCband Lite helmet

Backed by clinical research, LOCband Lite is a non-invasive cranial remoulding helmet designed to support a more balanced head shape over time. Results vary depending on age, severity and daily wear time.

 

“From the very start, everyone at the London Orthotic Consultancy was professional and friendly. Every step of the way was well-explained and the fitting was quick. It only took Magnus one day to get used to the band, and after that, he wasn’t bothered by it at all. And, most importantly, it worked!”

Maria, Magnus’s mother – Plagiocephaly patient

Get in touch for a free online orthotic consultation

We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.

 

020 8974 9989
  • You can book a range of assessment and review appointments online, depending on the service and location that you require. If a specific appointment type is unavailable online, please contact LOC directly on [email protected] or you can call us. Unfortunately we are unable to offer fittings online at the moment.

     

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