First public hospital in Singapore to offer 3D-printed helmets for flat head syndrome

3 June 2025, Singapore – KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has launched Singapore’s first dedicated PlagioCentre, a specialised clinic for the assessment and treatment of plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, conditions also known as flat head syndrome. It is also the first public hospital in Singapore to offer 3D-printed helmets as part of its treatment options.

The KKH PlagioCentre was launched in response to the rising awareness of the syndrome and its treatment. “Over the past two years, KKH has seen a 36 per cent increase in cases of cranial asymmetry or flat head syndrome in infants. The number of affected infants rose from over 800 cases in 2022 to more than 1,000 in 2024. Globally, the condition affects up to 22 per cent of infants by the sixth week of life, and nearly 30 per cent by the fourth month¹.

“Flat head syndrome is relatively common, but it is also highly preventable and treatable. The rise in the number of cases reflect increased awareness among parents and caregivers of the importance of early detection and timely intervention. With the KKH PlagioCentre, we can help infants during this important stage of development and ensure that every child has the best start in life,” said Dr Kavitha V Sothirasan, Lead of the KKH PlagioCentre, Department of Neonatology, KKH.

What is flat head syndrome?

Flat head syndrome is a condition where an infant’s head becomes misshapen or flattened due to constant pressure being placed on one side of the skull. It is most often caused by babies spending prolonged periods on their backs with the head in the same position. The syndrome can also be aggravated by torticollis, a condition in which tight neck muscles make it difficult for babies to turn their heads properly.

There are primarily two types of flat head syndrome:

• Plagiocephaly: an asymmetrical head shape with cranial flattening to one side of the head.
  
• Brachycephaly: cranial flattening across the back of the head, causing its shape to appear wider and shorter than usual.

In milder cases, flat head often resolves naturally as the infant starts to crawl and move their head independently. Moderate to severe cases, if left untreated, could result in an abnormal head shape. In extreme instances, it could hinder jaw development and facial growth, and cause obstruction to the child’s vision. As the child gets older, they may also face difficulties wearing protective headgear or develop a squint. Untreated torticollis, which restricts head movement, can worsen flat head, and may cause a persistent head tilt.

Helmet therapy for plagiocephaly and brachycephaly

At the KKH PlagioCentre, infants with flat head syndrome will be assessed to determine the severity of the condition. For mild cases, treatment options typically involve physiotherapy and observation. For moderate or severe cases, for optimal outcomes, infants below eight months, may be offered helmet therapy.

The process involves a custom fitted helmet created using a 3D scan of the infant’s head. The helmet is designed to apply gentle pressure to specific areas of the head, while also leaving space for the head to grow in the flattened areas, to encourage it to grow symmetrically.

“Helmet therapy is most effective when started early, while the skull is still developing. The sooner we begin treatment, the better the results, especially with 3D-printed helmets. Unlike conventional helmets, 3D-printed helmets are designed and customised to optimise each baby’s comfort and treatment outcome. Made from a perforated material that is lightweight and breathable, 3D-printed helmets offer a more precise fit to match and gently reshape the unique contour of each baby’s head,” said Dr Kavitha.

Infants are required to wear the helmets for 23 hours a day. Most infants show visible improvements within the first two to three months of treatment.

Supported by a multidisciplinary team across neonatology, physiotherapy, and orthotics, the KKH PlagioCentre offers a suite of comprehensive services including physiotherapy, observation and helmet therapy for moderate to severe cases.

Parents interested to know more about the KKH PlagioCentre can speak to their child’s paediatrician at KKH or visit any polyclinic for further information.

¹ Flannery AM, Tamber MS, Mazzola C, Klimo P Jr, Baird LC, Tyagi R, Bauer DF, Beier A, Durham S, Lin AY, McClung-Smith C, Mitchell L, Nikas D. Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Positional Plagiocephaly: Executive Summary. Neurosurgery. 2016 Nov;79(5):623-624.