The STARscanner™ system, developed in collaboration with Vorum Research Corporation, was designed to provide orthotists with an efficient and effective tool for acquiring accurate head shape data for cranial remoulding orthoses.

So why use a scanner, isn’t a cast as good? Definitely not, the traditional casting process is distressing for the baby and parent and in the UK, if done in a hospital the baby is often sedated. Casting can take up to 30 minutes during which time the baby has to be held whilst the casting material dries and sets. Once removed, the cast must be held in order that it does not distort as it dries, and then it needs to be dried and packed for dispatch to the manufacturer. The quality and fit of the final orthosis is dependant on the quality of the casting process, shipping and handling and at the other end, the manufacturing and modification skills employed.

The STARscanner represents a momentous leap in orthotic and prosthetic technology. It eliminates the casting process normally required to fabricate a custom-moulded cranial remoulding orthosis by scanning the infant's head in less than two seconds using a combination of lasers and cameras. Technology in Motion made an early policy decision to only employ scanner technology for the manufacture of cranial orthoses that are supplied through the company. This is a major investment in technology, unmatched by any other company in this field.

Once a scan has been taken, the data can be used in several applications. Initially it is used to quantify and report on the original head shape. This is reported on whole volumes by quadrant, (think of a quartered orange, the scanner allows us to see the volume of each quarter and to look at the differences both at the back and front of the head) and by section in from the base to the top of the head.

The data, saved into 5 different file types, is then incorporated into an Electronic Order which specifies the type of orthosis, modification details, information on the baby’s head shape and the modifications required to make the orthosis. This information along with the parents chosen pattern and colour (if a plain white orthosis is not preferred) is then emailed to allow the orthosis to be made. This system allows instant entry into the manufacturing process and secure instant communication with the manufacturing technicians. It also allows us to discuss in real time, if we want a second opinion from a colleague in the UK or USA, saving essential time and giving a greater depth of knowledge and understanding to our clinical skills. Although geographically separate, no clinic or clinician works in isolation. This is a real benefit to patient care and safety.

The third area which is unique to the STARscanner uses the reporting software and allows us to take a scan at the end of treatment to allow us to see and quantify the head shape improvements made. So, rather than requiring a second cast or relying only on manual measurements, a report of the final head shape and images to see where growth has been directed to give improved head shape is available. Outcome measures are always difficult, especially in such a complex area as overall head shape where changes can be subtly different at all levels of the head.

So, the orthotist can now measure the progression of therapy and substantiate the efficacy of cranial remoulding orthoses with computerised pre and post treatment documentation --- a significant advantage, to quantifying positive clinical outcomes to physicians, therapists, caregivers and insurance companies.