Efficacy of 3D-Printed Cranial Remolding Orthoses for Infants in Australia

ABSTRACT Introduction Cranial remolding orthoses (CROs) have been used to treat various types of infantile nonsynostotic cranial deformation worldwide, but little is known about the treatment outcomes with the newer 3D-printed orthoses. Objectives This study examines the efficacy of 3D-printed cranial orthoses in the Australian population by retrospectively examining treatment outcomes for infants with deformational head shapes and developing predictive arrays that may have clinical utility. Study Design This is a retrospective chart review of infants treated at a multisite clinic in Australia between 2019 and 2023. Methods Subjects were divided into groups according to their presenting severity and changes in cephalic measurements over the course of treatment. Results were stratified by initial head shape type and presented in terms of measurement change per millimeter of cranial circumferential growth. Predictive arrays were created using expected cranial circumferential growth for typically developing infants and mean treatment results based on initial head shape and infantile age. Results A total of 257 infants were fit with 3D-printed CROs (initial cranial vault asymmetry index range = 0.21 to 19.59 and initial cephalic ratio range = 73.2% to 107.86%). All infants saw improvement in their cranial shape. Predictive arrays were developed to assist with estimating clinical expectations of treatment results based on 4 months of cranial growth for typically developing infants. Conclusions Results suggest 3D-printed cranial orthoses are effective in reducing cranial deformation in the Australian infantile population. Clinical Relevance 3D-printed CROs are relatively new and seem to be effective in reducing cranial deformation. The predictive arrays may be a useful quick reference tool for practitioners to determine if it is likely for an infant to achieve full cranial correction in 4 months based on the infant’s presenting age and severity.