Causes of Deformational Plagiocephaly
It is currently estimated that deformational plagiocephaly occurs in approximately 1 in 70 children.
Some causes include:
- A compressive intrauterine force against the soft, developing bones of the baby's head
- Early descent of the baby into the pelvis
- Sleep position that puts constant pressure on one side of the back of the head
- Congenital stiffness of the neck muscles known as torticollis
Deformational plagiocephaly can also be associated with other deformational anomalies such as club foot, protruding ears, dislocation of one hip at birth and scoliosis (curvature of the spine).