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What is Plagiocephaly? Technically, plagiocephaly is "a malformation of the head marked by an oblique slant to the main axis of the skull." However, more recently, the term has been applied to any condition characterized by a persistent flat spot on the back or side of the head.
A number of studies have associated the recent dramatic increase in the number of children with flat heads with the "back to sleep campaign." Since more children are sleeping on their backs the incidence of flattening has increased. This condition can be much worse on one side if a child preferentially sleeps with that side down. Positional (or deformational) plagiocephaly, also known as flat head
STARscanner™ LASER DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM Orthomerica® received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 3, 2001 to market the STARscanner™ for use in collecting head shape data for the fabrication of Orthomerica's cranial remolding orthoses. The STARscanner™ system, developed in collaboration with Vorum Research Corporation, was designed to provide orthotists with an efficient and effective tool for acquiring accurate head shape data for cranial remolding orthoses. This scanner represents a quantum leap in orthotic and prosthetic technology. It eliminates the casting process normally required to fabricate a custom-molded cranial remolding orthosis by scanning the infant's head in less than two seconds using a combination of lasers and cameras. The orthotist can now measure the progression of therapy and substantiate the efficacy of cranial remolding orthoses with computerized pre and post treatment documentation. View the STARscanner in action. Arimed is partnering with Orthomerica, the developer of the STARscanner.
Eliminates traditional casting process – the casting process is considered by some practitioners and parents to often be traumatic and uncomfortable for infants. In addition to being easier for everyone, scanning versus casting tends to be more time efficient and more accurate. Unlike casts, scans are emailed which saves time. A quicker turn-around time allows earlier treatment, and improves initial fit and function of the cranial orthosis. STARscans™ are accurate STARscans are accurate up to +-.5 mm. STARscans™ are safe The STARscanner has been classified and certified as a Class 1 laser scanning devise. Class 1 lasers are low-power lasers and are safe from all potential hazards. Other Class 1 laser products include laser printers, CD players, and CD-ROM devises. STARscans™ are fast STARscans™ take less than two seconds to complete. Once obtained, scan data is simply emailed for manufacturing and fabrication.
STARscanner™ Comparison Utility Screen Samples
STARscanner™ quantifies treatment progress The STARscanner™ system comes complete with Comparison Utility software that compares an initial scan with follow-up scans. This function creates reports that allow the practitioner to document and quantify exactly where the cranial shape changes are occurring. In addition to taking specific measurements, the practitioner can print these reports for patient files, insurance companies, referring physicians, caregivers, and research. To view a sample STARscanner Summary Report, click here. back to top STARscanner™ Comparison Utility Screen Samples
How Does The STARscanner™ Work? Easy as 1 - 2 - 3 ! 1. Place open-face stockinette on patient. The stockinette is used to alleviate any extraneous data in the scan. 2. Lay the patient's upper body in the STARscanner™. The parents can hold the child's lower body. The scanner is open on both ends and on the top, so the patient will not feel isolated. An Arimed practitioner presses a remote button to begin the 1.5-second scan. 3. Begin custom fabrication of cranial band from scan.
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When infants need orthotic care, ARIMED truly lives up to our promise of team care. Early intervention in pediatric orthotic care can have a dramatic impact on the rest of a patient's life, so at ARIMED, we always work with parents, therapists, and physicians to provide the best possible care. 
We strongly support and encourage a team approach when treating children. Coordinating care with a Therapist and Physician provides a complete approach to their orthotic needs. Regularly scheduled follow-up appointments are also an important factor. They allow us to keep up with the size and activity changes occuring.
It is important to distinguish between abnormal head shape caused by positioning (or deformation) and abnormal head shape caused the premature closure of cranial sutures (know as craniosynostosis). Positional (or deformational) abnormal head shapes can be corrected without surgery (by repositioning or cranial orthoses). Synostotic abnormal head shapes may require surgery. If left untreated, children with plagiocephaly, especially those with moderate to severe plagiocephaly may experience other medical issues later in life. 
syndrome, results from preferentially lying on one side of the head. Deformational brachycephaly is a flattening across the back of the head. The two conditions (plagiocephaly and brachycephaly) sometimes occur together. ARIMED strives to provide accurate and accountable results because the issues of abnormal head shape are very complex. If you have questions about your child's head shape, ARIMED suggests that you call for a consultation at one of our four convenient locations. ARIMED employs the STARscanner™ LASER DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM to image and measure your child's head primarily because of its accuracy, minimal invasiveness, reporting and data capabilities.
