The purpose of this article is to objectively review the past and more recent literature on deformational plagiocephaly to provide a context for the accompanying articles in this dedicated issue. For this review, the term deformational plagiocephaly is used to describe head shape deformities whose etiology is mechanical in nature and is not caused by synostosis or premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures. This review discusses the literature as it relates to specific treatment options and protocols for infants with deformational plagiocephaly. Articles presenting data on potential long-term effects of deformational plagiocephaly are also reviewed and Table 1 grades studies based on the strength of the scientific rigor. Table 1 also contains a synopsis of the articles related to orthotic, surgical, and repositioning management regimes.
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