Utah Pediatric Orthotics & Prosthetics

As a result of pediatricians encouraging parents to sleep their babies on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); babies are developing asymmetrically shaped heads. There are three primary shapes for these deformities; Plagiocephaly (the most common distorted to resemble a parallelogram) Scaphocephaly (very long and narrow), and Brachycephaly (very short and wide). At Northwest Orthotics and Prosthetics we use the Omega scanner to capture an image of the baby's asymmetrical head. The image is then sent to Orthomerica for the fabrication of the orthosis. The helmets, scanner, and the entire protocol are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

The initial visit requires a prescription from a physician and includes an evaluation, brief history, and discussion about the treatment process. The orthotist will measure the infant's head to determine the degree of abnormality. The next step is to obtain authorization from insurance. Once authorization is obtained the scanning appointment will be set. The scan replaces the casting process and is sent electronically to Orthomerica for the fabrication of the orthosis.