accuracy of cranial scanning

[Guest guest]

I can't say with certainty that cranial scanning is any more or less

accurate than casting. What I can say is that we have been using the

technology for almost 6 months and have had 6 scans and the

measurements are very consistant. For example the measurements always

show positive cranial growth (diameter) in the range of 2-5

millimeters or more. I would think that if there was a margin of

error of 5 millimeters or more that some scans would show negative

growth. I suppose it is possible the orthotist " fudges " the scans

abit, I don't know. Our orthodist recommends the helmet be on the

loose side anyway so I don't think a few millimeter error makes any

difference. What I find interesting, and perhaps still being

developed, is the fact that when they make adjustments to the helmet

they don't use the scan information. Instead they " eye ball " where to

shave off and adjust. They only use the scan to measure and track

progress. In our case that is important. We started Joe at 7 months.

We want to measure cranial growth to be sure the helmet is still

worthwhile. If growth slows down or stops there is no point is

wearing the helmet and at around 12 months, that is expected to

happen. In Joe's case, now almost 14 months old, his head is still

growing enough to make the helmet worthwhile. I hope some research is

done sometime soon to make the accuracy of the technology better

understood.

Dan