Cranial Remolding Orthosis
Designed to help the flattened areas of your baby’s head grow, forming a rounder, more symmetrical head shape.
An Introduction to Helmet Therapy
Since 85 percent of head development occurs in the first year of life, early orthotic intervention can successfully round out the shape of your baby’s head by making the most of what he or she is doing best: growing.
A cranial remolding orthosis, also known as a cranial helmet or cranial band, gently prevents excessive growth in the direction that is most prominent, while leaving open spaces for the flattened areas of your baby’s head to grow, forming a rounder, more even/symmetric shape.
The optimal age for beginning helmet therapy is between 4 and 6 months. While treatment can take place in children up to 18 months, it’s important to understand that the level of successful correction may be compromised.
Treating Your Baby at Hanger Clinic
Specialists in Hanger Clinic’s network of Cranial Asymmetry Remolding Experts, known as the CARE Network, are leading orthotists who have experience treating a full spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions. They will apply their deep, holistic understanding of pediatric anatomy and take into account natural developmental milestones when treating your baby.
Our Approach to Care
With over 200 clinicians at more than 260 locations nationwide, the highly-specialized CARE Network helps ensure patients and families receive access to unparalleled expertise. We embrace transparent, evidence-based care utilizing clinically-appropriate technology designed to fit each baby’s unique needs and help them achieve the best possible outcomes.
High Standard of Care
We follow a set of validated, research-based Clinical Practice Guidelines, so you can rest assured your child is benefitting from the best possible clinical techniques that are backed by science.1
Clinical Experience
In consultation with referring physicians, our specialists follow a defined treatment algorithm that informs our recommendation on whether a family should move forward with treatment.1
Commitment to Outcomes
Our clinicians are committed to collecting outcome measurements throughout your baby’s course of care, allowing you and the broader healthcare team to track improvements and monitor progress.
Advanced, Patient-Centered Technologies
As an early adopter of 3-D scanning technologies, we have embraced numerous techniques and systems that help us create a more precise fit. Utilizing FDA-regulated cranial band designs based on patient and physician needs, our cranial helmets are designed to grow with each child, so most babies will only need one device for their treatment.
1. Lin RS, Stevens PM, Wininger M, Castiglione CL. Orthotic Management of Deformational Plagiocephaly: Consensus Clinical Standards of Care. The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal. 2016;53(4):394-403. doi:10.1597/15-007
Our care at Hanger Clinic has been exceptional. The team worked with two of my daughters and held our hand throughout the entire process. I can’t say enough good things about them!
Natalie A.Mom to Hanger Clinic Patient Colette
Request a Free Evaluation
Want an expert opinion as to whether your child will benefit from a cranial helmet? Schedule a free evaluation with a specialist in the CARE Network.
What to Expect on the Cranial Helmet Treatment Journey
We provide free cranial evaluations to help ensure you are educated and informed prior to making the decision on whether to move forward with your baby’s treatment. If your baby is very young (under 4 months) or has been diagnosed with mild-to-moderate asymmetry, we encourage you to work with your baby’s physician or physical therapist on repositioning techniques first, prior to treatment.
Once treatment is determined to be necessary and you have a prescription from your baby’s physician, our clinical team will advise on the length of care (generally 3 – 6 months) and will begin the process of fabricating a custom cranial helmet using modern digital scanning technologies.
Your baby’s scan will be sent to a design center, where it will be modified based upon your baby’s head shape and anticipated cranial growth. The cranial helmet is then fabricated using a multi-step process in accordance with FDA guidelines.
Within 14 days of the scan, your family will return to our clinic for fit and delivery. At that time, the orthotist will evaluate and refine the fitting of the cranial band and review the break-in schedule and cleaning instructions with your family. They will then schedule the necessary follow-up appointments.
Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled every 2-4 weeks and typically include mid-treatment and end-of-treatment scans, so you can see progress in an easy-to-read report that can be shared with other healthcare providers.
When your baby graduates out of their cranial helmet, we will celebrate his or her success!
In most cases, your family will be referred to Hanger Clinic shortly before or after surgery.
At your first appointment, the orthotist will provide you with education and information on the process and will take initial measurements of your baby’s head using modern digital scanning technologies. At this time, our experienced office staff will also help verify your benefits with your insurance carrier to determine the amount of coverage available.
Your baby’s scan will be sent to a design center, where it will be modified based upon your baby’s head shape and anticipated cranial growth. The cranial helmet is then fabricated using a multi-step process in accordance with FDA guidelines.
Based on your surgeon’s protocol, your baby will be fit with a helmet as soon as possible following surgery (within 3-10 days). At the time of delivery, the orthotist will evaluate and refine the fitting of the cranial helmet and review the break-in schedule and cleaning instructions with your family. They will then schedule the necessary follow-up appointments.
Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled every 2-4 weeks and typically include ongoing monitoring, measurements, and scanning. The data from these appointments will be provided to you in an easy-to-read report that can be shared with your baby’s surgical team.
Because of the length of treatment (generally 6 – 12 months), your baby may require multiple helmets as he or she grows.
When your baby graduates out of their cranial helmet, we will celebrate his or her success!
Insurance Coverage for Cranial Helmets
Cranial helmets are a covered benefit under many insurance plans. Hanger Clinic is in-network with more than 2,500 insurance providers, helping you get the highest coverage possible under your plan. If we are not in-network with your provider, we are still happy to provide your baby with a cranial helmet, but you may be responsible for a larger percentage of the cost, subject to the out-of-network rate set by your insurance plan.
Once you provide us with your insurance information, our experienced office staff will verify your benefits with your insurance carrier to determine the amount of coverage available. If needed, our staff will also obtain prior authorization from your insurance company. Our office staff will then provide you with an estimate of your portion of the costs prior to helmet therapy being provided.
Please note–a prescription is required.
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