Meet the AllStars!

Orthomerica is proud to announce the launch of the AllSTAR team of cranial clinicians. This clinical network is made up of exceptional clinicians dedicated to the care of infants with deformational plagiocephaly and post-operative craniosynostosis using the STAR® Family of cranial remolding orthoses manufactured by Orthomerica Products, Inc.

The AllSTAR clinical network was developed to recognize and promote the clinical expertise of orthotic clinicians who specialize in the management of infants with skull deformities. This program creates the largest global footprint of cranial specialists and thereby enhances parents’ access to the highest quality clinical care programs. The AllSTAR network focuses on evidence-based medicine and contributes clinical outcomes data that will be used to quantify the efficacy of STARband cranial programs. AllSTAR membership is maintained through continuing education, use of standardized clinical protocols, provision of excellent patient care, and ongoing professional contributions to this medical specialty.

Orthomerica’s cranial products are provided in more than 700 clinics in the United States and many more around the world. As the worldwide leader in cranial remolding orthoses, we look forward to our continued clinical partnership in this challenging and dynamic medical environment by providing our customers with exceptional products and key value-added programs such as the AllSTAR Team.

Around the world, more than 500,000 infants have been successfully treated with the STARband. By design, the STARband allows for the successful completion of treatment of more than 98%+ of all deformational plagiocephaly and brachycephaly patients with a single orthosis. In order to achieve that level of success, families must comply with the recommended 23-hour per day wearing schedule and participate in a structured follow-up program involving ongoing adjustments and modifications. If the clinical protocols are properly followed, the need for a second headband is rarely indicated.

Find Plagiocephaly, Brachycephaly, and Scaphocephaly Treatment Centers Near You

Need help finding plagiocephaly treatment providers?

Email starband@orthomerica.com

Call 1 (800) 498-STAR

What is Deformational Plagiocephaly? (Flat Head Syndrome)

Deformational Plagiocephaly is an abnormal shape of a baby’s head caused by external forces. The baby’s head may appear to be misshapen or asymmetrical immediately after birth, or the abnormal shape may become noticeable in the first few months of life. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are often the first ones to notice the unusual shape of the head and they usually bring it to the Pediatrician’s attention during a regular visit.

What causes Plagiocephaly?

There are several causes of Deformational Plagiocephaly, and some of them occur before the baby is even born. Restricted space inside the mother’s womb can create excessive contact in some regions of the baby’s head. This contact is often the cause of deformation in babies positioned in a breech position, cramped in utero due to multiple fetuses, or in babies who spend excessive time with the head confined in the birth canal. Suction or vacuum instruments can also create forces that can deform the newborn skull, which is soft and pliable. The skulls of premature babies are particularly susceptible to deformation because the bone is thinner and more fragile than the skull of full-term babies.

What can I do if my baby has plagiocephaly or another unusual head shape?

The first thing you can do is talk to your Pediatrician about your baby’s head. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that Pediatricians evaluate the baby’s head at each visit from the top, sides, front and back. The AAP also recommends that the physician talk to families about how to move the baby into a lot of different positions during the day, and stress the importance of “tummy time” whenever the baby is awake and supervised.*

If your baby is diagnosed with Deformational Plagiocephaly, Brachycephaly or Scaphocephaly and is between the ages of 3 and 18 months, your pediatrician or specialist may refer you to a practitioner who specializes in providing plagiocephaly helmet therapy. Each STARband Cranial Remolding Orthosis is custom made of plastic and foam to correct your baby’s head shape gently as they grow.

What role does the orthotist play on the plagiocephaly treatment team?

Credentialed orthotists and prosthetic practitioners have provided cranial remolding orthoses since 1979. These health care professionals maintain high standards of continuing education through national certifying bodies, and many have specialized pediatric orthotic practices. These practitioners bring value to the orthotic treatment program with a strong background in anatomy, biomechanics, material science, and patient care. They work closely with other craniofacial team members to help your baby achieve optimal correction and results.