The Junior League of Erie is an organization of

women committed to promoting voluntarism

and to improving the community through the

effective action and leadership of trained

volunteers. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Mission

The Problem:(1) Plagiocephaly

(2) Brachycephaly

(3) Torticollis

Incidence

• Incidence has increased dramatically since AAP “Back to Sleep” Campaign– Incidence rates prior to campaign 0.33% (1 in

300)

• No consensus has been reached on current incidence rates, as results of studies vary depending on sensitivity of criteria used– At least 1.6% (1 in 60)– Up to 48% of otherwise healthy infants– 56% of twins

• High risk for learning delays and developmental delays

• Increased need for special services when reach school age

• Orthodontic and TMJ• Scoliosis• Visual disturbances• Auditory problems• Psychological/social issues

Associated Problems

Risk Factors

Risk Factors at Birth– Male gender– First born birth rank– Brachycephalic (naturally wider head than deeper head

shape at birth)– Multiple births

Prevention• Need for additional education• Key Educational Points

– Alternate side of head when sleeping (stress AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines)

– Supervised tummy time (at least 3 times per day, best practice is 50% of awake time)

– Use car seats only as vehicle safety seats– Avoid extended use of swings and other equipment– Alternate feeding position

• Newborns (2 weeks to 2 months)– Prevention and education

• Infants (2 months to 6 months)– Screening at 2 or 3 month well-visit– Repositioning and stretching treatments

• Infants (6 months to 1 year)– Repositioning, stretching, movement patterns– Helmet treatment if severe

• Older Infants (over 1 year)– Window for treatment rapidly closes

Treatment

• Increase parent and caretaker awareness• Increase medical acceptance within Erie county• Increase, during the first year, the overall

number of infants ages 0-12 months being diagnosed and treated for the condition

• Decrease, during the second year, the overall number of infants being diagnosed with and treated for the condition

• Decrease, during the second year, age at which infants with the condition are referred to Early Intervention

Campaign Goals

• Parents• Daycare workers• Other caretakers• Medical community

Target Audience

• Poster• Fact Cards• Video• Website • Screening Clinic• Play and Learn Day• Educational seminars to

daycares and medical professionals

Campaign

www.flatheadprevention.org

• 30% increase in number of infants with visible head flattening treated by Early Intervention Services in Erie County from 1st quarter 2008 (pre-campaign) to 2nd quarter of 2008 (first three months of campaign).

• One local company providing helmets reports they provided 37 helmets for infants in 2007, but year-to-date 2008 they are at over 90 helmets for Erie County infants.

Outcomes