Jacksonville, Florida, September 25, 2007 -- Wolfson Children's Rehabilitation recently added the STARscanner to its diagnostic capabilities. The laser data acquisition system is designed to accurately and efficiently measure heads of babies who may have plagiocephaly (a deformity of the skull in which one side is more developed in the front, and the other side is more developed in the rear) and other head shape conditions.
The STARscanner™, by Orthomerica® Products, Inc., is an eye-safe laser system that allows the practitioner to scan a baby's head in less than two seconds instead of making a cast of the head.
"The scanner, which has eight cameras and four lasers, provides detailed head shape measurements and symmetry analysis," says Blake Norquist, Cranial Products manager of Orthomerica Products, Inc. Its software is also specifically designed to track head shape changes in babies. Not only is it used instead of the casting process, but it can track progress during the cranial remolding process.
"Once the measurements are made, they can be emailed to Orthomerica for making the orthotic helmet, which is used to correct the head shape abnormality," says Norquist.
The STARscanner is for babies age three to 18 months. The polymer helmet that is made from the prescribed measurements is then worn 23 hours a day for up to three or four months.
Before the STARscanner, the measuring process was more difficult and less accurate. Doctors had to rely on manually measuring babies' heads, which took longer, was not as accurate and was more stressful for the babies.
"We are the sixth facility in Florida to receive this equipment and the only facility in the North Florida/South Georgia area," says Cathi Allison, clinical manager of Wolfson Children's Rehabilitation. "We want all local pediatricians and parents of children with plagiocephaly to know about the STARscanner."
Cranial clinics for children with this condition will begin in October at the Drew Bradbury Center, the primary site for Wolfson Children's Rehabilitation. For more information, visit Wolfson Children's Rehabilitation, or Orthomerica. The purchase of this equipment was made possible through donations from the Lucy B.Gooding Charitable Foundation Trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are baby head shape deformities?
Studies vary, but most concur that roughly 20 percent of babies are born with a head shape deformity known as plagiocephaly. Science and societal trends such as increased time babies spend on their backs and cramped conditions in utero with multiple-baby births have added to the incidence rate. With the cutting-edge data collection and analysis technology provided by the STARscanner and STARband's success rate, treated babies grow up to have normal head shapes, growth and development, providing peace of mind for parents.
How long does treatment take?
For babies who begin treatment between four and seven months of age, it usually lasts three to four months. Visits with the clinician are weekly or bi-weekly, and head measurements may be taken at each one. This enables fine-tuning of the headband to ensure effective treatment. The traditional casting process can be stressful for the baby and parent. With the STARscanner, measurements are taken in 1.5 seconds instead of the 15 to 30 minutes it takes with plaster casting. It gives parents comfort to see their babies' head shapes improving over time.
How does the scanner work?
Scanners are less intrusive than plaster casting, making the process easier on the baby and parents. The baby lies on the open STARscanner bed, which is similar to the weighing scale found in most pediatricians' offices. The parents and clinician stand alongside, positioning the baby, while a 1.5-second scan collects all the needed head shape measurements. The data is immediately viewable on the clinician's computer and is emailed directly to Orthomerica to create a precisely fitting, custom headband. During future visits, STARscanner's software offers unique reporting that shows changes in the baby's head shape.
Is the scanner technology safe?
The scanner is a safe device. It is classified and cleared by the FDA as a Class I laser-scanning device because it emits very low-power laser energy. Other examples of Class I laser products include laser printers, CD players and CD-ROM devices.
How long does it take to make the headband?
Orthomerica gathers immediate and accurate measurements that can be emailed directly to the insurance company and to Orthomerica to begin making the headband right away. Manufacturing the headband takes just four days once the measurements or cast impression is received at Orthomerica.