Best evidence summary of prevention and management of positional plagiocephaly in infancy

XIA Lei; ZHOU Chunxiu; HUANG Min; ZHOU Ying; CHEN Min; ZHANG Xin

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0412

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (8) : 902-907. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0412

Meta Analysis

Best evidence summary of prevention and management of positional plagiocephaly in infancy

XIA Lei¹, ZHOU Chunxiu¹, HUANG Min¹, ZHOU Ying², CHEN Min², ZHANG Xin²

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Abstract

Objective To retrieve, appraise, and synthesize the best available evidence on the prevention and management of positional plagiocephaly (PP) in infancy, so as to provide evidence-based references for clinical practice. Methods Evidence related to the prevention and management of PP in infancy was systematically searched in domestic and international evidence-based databases and relevant professional association websites, with the search conducted up to August 2024. Four trained researchers performed methodological quality appraisal, evidence extraction, and evidence synthesis. Results A total of 16 publications were included, comprising 2 clinical decision support resources, 3 guidelines, 2 evidence summaries, 7 systematic reviews, and 2 expert consensus statements. Thirty items of best evidence were extracted and summarized into 9 domains: multidisciplinary team (1 item), risk factor identification (1 item), assessment and diagnosis (7 item), pillow usage (1 items), positioning management (8 items), physical intervention (5 items), helmet therapy (2 items), surgical intervention (2 items), health education and follow-up(3 items). Current evidence suggests that early identification of risk factors, standardized assessment, appropriate positioning management and tummy time, combined physical therapy or helmet therapy when indicated, and strengthened family participation and follow-up may help prevent and manage PP in infancy. Conclusions This study summarizes the current best evidence on the prevention and management of PP in infancy and may provide a reference for clinical practice. When translating evidence into practice, healthcare professionals should implement individualized management according to infant characteristics, available medical resources, and specific clinical contexts to further optimize prevention and intervention outcomes.

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infants / positional plagiocephaly / prevention / management / evidence summary

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XIA Lei, ZHOU Chunxiu, HUANG Min, ZHOU Ying, CHEN Min, ZHANG Xin. Best evidence summary of prevention and management of positional plagiocephaly in infancy[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2026, 34(8): 902-907 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0412

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