Deformational Plagiocephaly—A Focus on Prevention

Aesthetic Correction of Severe Facial Asymmetry in a Deformational Plagiocephaly Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…In 2004, Argenta et al [1] proposed a severity classification system that classifies DP into 5 different types [2]. The subject in this report matched the criteria for type 4 (posterior asymmetry + ear malposition + forehead asymmetry + facial asymmetry) [7]. The risk factors for DP can be divided into perinatal risk factors and maternal risk factors, including a low education level, young maternal age, and bottle feeding.…”

“…The incidence skyrocketed in the United States after 1992 [6]. This sudden influx can be ascribed to the Back to Sleep campaign of the American Academy of Pediatrics that was conducted to reduce the rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) [7]. After this campaign was conducted, the SIDS rate plummeted by more than 40% [8].…”

“…Although there is currently no established way to quantify the severity of DP accurately, some attempts have been made to categorize its severity [7]. In 2004, Argenta et al [1] proposed a severity classification system that classifies DP into 5 different types [2].…”

“…The risk factors for DP can be divided into perinatal risk factors and maternal risk factors, including a low education level, young maternal age, and bottle feeding. Perinatal/birth risk factors include first-born infants [10], supine positioning, premature birth, prolonged intubation, male gender, intrauterine restriction in multiple gestation pregnancies (fraternal twins > maternal twins) [8], breech position in uterus, primiparous mothers, assisted delivery, maternal age >35 years, birth trauma, congenital anomalies, a low activity level, delayed milestones, bottle feeding, and prolonged labor [7,11]. The patient in our study was an identical twin, corresponding to a known risk factor for DP.…”

“…DP typically is more common on the right side than the left. DP is commonly associated with diseases that may be the result of the disease or an aggravating factor, such as congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), strabismus, or astigmatism [7,12]. CMT is a risk factor for DP that has been well documented in the literature [8].…”