PhD Defence Cas van Cruchten

Keywords: Craniofacial, ear anomalies, cranial shape anomalies, infants
 

"Non-operative correction of craniofacial anomalies"

This thesis examines craniofacial anomalies, their psychological and aesthetic impacts, and the treatment methods available, focusing on neonatal ear and cranial deformations. It highlights that, while cranial shape and ear appearance are less important to adults, they are highly visible and significant in children, leading to increased parental concern and intervention. The study finds that early non-operative treatments, such as ear molding and helmet therapy, can effectively correct these anomalies. It also shows that cranial deformations caused by the "Back to Sleep" campaign are often self-correcting over time but benefit from therapeutic support. Ear molding, initiated early, offers a non-invasive solution with favorable outcomes for conditions like prominent ears and constricted auricles. The study concludes that non-operative treatments should be more widely recognized to prevent unnecessary surgeries and their psychological consequences, advocating for early intervention and education about these methods. 

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