How CROs Are Revolutionizing Flat Head Syndrome Treatment

When it comes to caring for your baby, ensuring their development is supported by leading industry professionals is key. At ROKband, our Cranial Remodelling Orthosis (CRO) are not only backed by extensive research but are also designed and overseen by a team of highly trained orthotists. 

In this blog, we will explore what a CRO is, how it treats infant head shape asymmetry, and highlight the unique contributions of our expert orthotists in delivering effective, comfortable care to your baby.

A Cranial Remodelling Orthosis (CRO) is a custom-fitted, helmet-like device used to correct head shape asymmetries in infants. These asymmetries include positional plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and scaphocephaly, and result in flat spots on the skull and varying head shapes  in babies. A CRO works by gently redirecting the growth of the skull, helping it develop into a more symmetrical head shape over time.

A CRO is most commonly used to treat various forms of flat head syndrome, which can manifest as:

• Plagiocephaly: A condition where one side of the back of the baby’s head becomes flat, often due to prolonged pressure on that area.

• Brachycephaly: This occurs when the entire back of the baby’s head becomes flat, causing the head to appear wider than normal.

• Scaphocephaly: A condition where the baby’s head is long and narrow, typically caused by prolonged side lying, seen often in babies who spend a lot of time in the NICU

Each of these conditions can be successfully treated with a CRO, particularly when treatment is started early.

What Happens If Flat Head Syndrome Is Left Untreated?

In severe cases, leaving positional plagiocephaly or other types of flat head syndrome untreated may have long-term implications. These can include asymmetry of the face, misaligned ears, issues with jaw alignment (which can affect chewing), impact to peripheral vision, and even complications with the ability to fit and wear helmets or glasses comfortably later in life.

Plagiocephaly, commonly referred to as flat head syndrome, happens when an infant’s head develops a flat spot due to sustained pressure on one area. This often occurs in babies who sleep on their backs for extended periods with a positional preference to one side. Back sleeping has been the recommended position by the "Back to Sleep" campaign, which has successfully reduced SIDS but has drastically increased cases of flat head syndrome.

Signs of Plagiocephaly:

• Noticeable flattening on one side of the head.

• Uneven facial features, such as an asymmetrical forehead.

• One ear positioned further forward than the other.

Why Does Flat Head Syndrome Happen?

The skull bones in infants are soft and malleable, allowing room for the brain to grow. This flexibility, however, makes babies prone to developing flat spots on their heads when they spend too much time in one position. The most common causes include:

• Torticollis (tight neck muscles), which makes it difficult for the baby to turn their head to one side.

• Sleeping position: Babies who sleep on their backs with a positional preference or spend extended time in reclined positions such as the use of baby swings, car seats, or bouncers.

• Multiple births: Twins or multiples are at higher risk due to the restricted space in the womb.

The design and fit of a CRO are crucial to its success in treating head shape asymmetries. Our expert orthotists at ROKband play a pivotal role in this process, using advanced technology and their extensive expertise to craft custom devices for each child.

Orthotists are healthcare professionals trained in the  assessment, design, fabrication and fit of orthotic treatments. Their treatments include custom orthoses and braces from the head to the feet that are used for pain relief, healing, mobility, injury prevention and correction of musculoskeletal conditions. At ROKband, our orthotists are specialists in infant cranial remodeling and have undergone years of specialized training to become experts in the field.

Education and Expertise of ROKband Orthotists

• Advanced Education: Certified Orthotists complete a rigorous two year post graduate diploma in prosthetics and orthotics, followed by an additional two years of supervised residency. 

• Board Certification: After completion of their  education and residency, Certified Orthotists require passing a national board certification exam, to ensure they meet the highest standards of care.

• Clinical Expertise: Certified Orthotists have extensive training in anatomy, biomechanics, and pathology as well as specialized skills to design, fabricate, and fit medical devices. This experience ensures that your baby’s CRO is not only effective but also safe and comfortable.

The Importance of Customization

Our orthotists individually design every ROKband using specialized CAD/CAM technology to achieve optimal results for each unique head shape. To ensure your little one’s comfort and success throughout the treatment process, they closely collaborate with ROKband clinicians at every stage.

Using our PEEL 3D LED scanners, which are both radiation-free and non-invasive, we capture precise measurements of your baby’s head, ensuring their safety while obtaining accurate data. Our advanced CraniAlign scan alignment technology allows us to combine scans from multiple appointments, giving you a clear view of your baby’s progress. After each appointment, you’ll receive a personalized report with detailed measurements of your baby’s head shape, making it easy to track improvements over time.

A CRO works by gently holding and protecting certain areas of the infant’s head to guide growth in the flatter spots. The infant’s skull is still soft and malleable during the first year, making this treatment effective when applied early.

Redirecting Growth:

• The CRO leaves space in the areas where growth is needed while holding and protecting other areas where the skull is already more developed.

• Over time, as the baby’s head grows, these flat spots on a baby's head and void spaces in the CRO fill in, creating a more symmetrical shape.

Why Early Treatment Is Important

Research indicates that the success of CRO treatment is highest when started between 4-6 months of age, when the skull is most malleable and rapid growth can be redirected. Delaying treatment beyond this window may result in longer treatment durations and less effective results.

At ROKband, we stand apart from other providers because of our dedication to innovation, comfort, and expert care. Here’s what makes our CRO designs different:

1. Advanced 3D Scanning Technology: We use precise 3D, LED light scanning technology to capture the exact shape of your baby’s head, ensuring that each CRO is custom-made to deliver optimal results. 

2. Tailored Design: Every ROKband CRO is custom-made using specialized CAD/CAM technology to fit each baby’s unique head shape. Our orthotists take the time to ensure the fit is both corrective and comfortable.

3. Lightweight Materials: Our CROs are made with hypoallergenic materials designed for comfort.

4. It’s Cool: Unlike other helmets that trap heat, ROKbands have been engineered with ventilation to make them as much as 4 degrees cooler. This minimizes the discomfort of sweating, skin irritation, and unwanted odours.

5. Breathable: ROKbands are 1/2 the weight and 1/3 the thickness of other helmets so they can play and sleep easier, unhindered by a bulky helmet.

6. Aesthetic Choices: We offer a variety of fun and colorful designs to make the experience enjoyable for both babies and parents.

Our team of orthotists is dedicated to providing exceptional care for every family that comes to ROKband. Each of our orthotists brings years of experience and a passion for helping babies in their orthotic treatment.

Lucy Lacoursiere, B.Sc., CO(c)

Lucy is a Canadian Board-Certified Orthotist and ROKband’s Lead Design Orthotist. With over 5000 customized ROKband designs, she brings years of experience and a passion for supporting families. Lucy leads the team in creating personalized treatment plans and ensuring the best outcomes for each child.

Angela Creighton, M.Sc., CPO(c)

Angela has over 12 years of experience in prosthetics and orthotics and is our Lead Clinical Orthotist. She applies her expertise to ensure that every ROKband is designed for maximum comfort and effectiveness, working closely with families to ensure successful treatment. Angela also provides clinical guidance for ROKband clinics across Canada and internationally.

Vanessa Wilson, B.Sc., CO(c)

Vanessa is a clinical and design orthotist specializing in pediatric care. She is dedicated to developing treatment protocols that enhance patient outcomes, ensuring each child and family receives the highest level of care.

Tanis Thiessen, B.Sc., CO(c)

Tanis is a clinical and design orthotist with expertise in orthotics to provide inclusive care. Her focus is on personalized treatment plans that cater to each child's unique needs.

Together, our orthotists bring over 40 years of combined experience to the ROKband team, ensuring that every child receives the best possible care and treatment outcomes.

The ROKband treatment process is designed to be stress-free, effective, and family-friendly. 

Here’s what you can expect when you begin your journey with ROKband:

1. Initial Assessment (Ideal at 4-6 months): During the first visit, our orthotists and registered kinesiologists perform a free head shape assessment using 3D scanning technology to evaluate your baby’s head shape.

2. Custom Fitting: If treatment is recommended, a custom ROKband is created by our orthotists using advanced CAD/CAM technology, designed to fit your baby’s unique head shape.

3. Ongoing Adjustments: As your baby grows, the ROKband will be adjusted to ensure continued effectiveness and comfort. Our orthotists are with you every step of the way, supporting our headshape clinicians across Canada and overseeing treatment, making sure that treatment is a seamless process.

4. Follow-Up Support: Our team provides regular follow-ups and open lines of communication to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your baby.

Why Choose ROKband?

• Expert Care: Our orthotists are leaders in the field, with decades of experience and a commitment to providing the best care.

• Advanced Technology: We use cutting-edge 3D scanning and CAD/CAM technology to create customized ROKband CROs.

• Comprehensive Approach: We work using a holistic approach, involving pediatric health professionals involved in the child's care to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered support and care.