Phil Stevens, M.Ed, CPO, FAAOP, just completed a technical note entitled: “The use of ShearBan® in addressing dermatological concerns encountered in the management of deformational plagiocephaly.”

Orthotists often fabricate cranial remodeling helmets (aka cranial molding helmets) for infants who have deformational plagiocephaly. Deformational plagiocephaly refers to a misshapen head caused by repeated pressure to an area of the head. An infant may be born with deformational plagiocephaly or, more commonly, develops it because the head remains in one position on a surface for long periods of time.

For the remodeling therapy, infants must wear the helmets for extended periods of time. Because of this, an infant often develops erythema (skin redness) on certain areas of the skin that contact the helmet. In his technical note, Phil cogently explains how ShearBan® can be used on the inside of the helmet to reduce skin trauma.

Phil Stevens is a certified prosthetist and orthotist practicing in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has authored numerous articles and speaks extensively domestically and internationally. He specializes in pediatric orthotics, cranial remolding, and upper extremity prostheses. For his completion of this technical note, Tamarack is donating $500 in Phil’s name to the Orthotics and Prosthetics Education and Research Foundation (OPERF)