Abstract: Plagiocephaly (non-synostotic) in otherwise normal children is a relatively frequent occurrence (3-61% with mean at 47%) with a common therapeutic option utilising the cranial helmet (band). This study seeks to evaluate two-sisters with plagiocephaly (2-years-apart) and compare outcomes of one that received helmet care and the other only SOT cranial care (SCC).

Clinical Features: Both sisters were treated at this chiropractic clinic with the older sister first seen at age 4-years-old having used a cranial helmet for her plagiocephaly. The younger sister with a similar-type plagiocephaly was seen from age 3-6 months for SCC instead of a helmet intervention.

Intervention/Outcome: The older-sister (helmet) initially seen at age four was found to still have some cranial asymmetry, though not profound, however she had significant scoliosis and cervical spine imbalance which has persisted over approximately 3-years of care. The younger-sister (SCC) has good cranial symmetry, no scoliosis, cervical imbalance, or leg length functional inequality for the past 3-years.

Conclusion: Greater research is needed to help determine if there are instances when SCC may offer an alternative to cranial helmets and if helmets while aesthetically improving cranial appearance might have secondary adverse affects not occurring with SCC. 

Indexing Terms: Facial palsy, chiropractic, sacro-occipital technique, comparative cases.

Cite: Nichols K, Blum C. Two sisters with plagiocephaly treated with one treated with a cranial band and the other with sacro occipital technique (SOT) cranial care [Comparative Case Report]. Asia-Pac Chiropr J. 2021;1.3:Online only. URL www.apcj.net/nichols-and-blum-sisters-with-plagiocephaly/