Hanger announced findings from a recent study that resulted in a new standard for post-operative cranial remolding orthosis (CRO) treatments for infants with sagittal craniosynostosis. The study, conducted by the Hanger Institute for Clinical Research and Education in partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Utah, described a set of novel metrics based on optical surface scanning technology.
Sagittal synostosis accounts for approximately 50 percent of craniosynostosis cases and results in skull deformity with distinctive characteristics, but previous outcome measurements have been inadequate, according to the study. The measurement technique aimed to better quantify the variety of presentations observed in infants with the condition.
“Recognizing the inadequacy of existing measurements, the Hanger Institute collaborated with Vanderbilt University and the University of Utah to develop a new standard that we are proud to share with the greater O&P field,” said Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP, vice president of clinical affairs, Hanger. “The reporting tool is something that our clinicians can immediately apply to their orthotic clinical practice, allowing them to deliver exceptional care and ultimately improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.”
The study conceptualized novel indices for the patient group and refined those measurements using data taken from a retrospective evaluation of 25 infants who received post-operative CRO treatment for sagittal synostosis at the Hanger Clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. The new standards have been integrated into Hanger Clinic’s craniometrics reporting tool, allowing a new level of measuring and tracking cranial presentations and improvements.
The open-access study, “Comprehensive craniometry for sagittal synostosis,” was published in the journal Neurosurgical Focus.
