New 3D scanning tool a win for bubs and parents

Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s (HHS) prosthetics and orthotics department’s new 3D scanning tool is helping to improve the patient experience for babies and caregivers.

The state-of-the-art technology uses blue light to capture the shape of each baby’s head to create a custom helmet to help where possible to gently correct uneven or flattened head shapes in some infants.

Prosthetist orthotist Chloe Botella said the scanner was a less-stressful way to capture the information needed to create the cranial remodelling helmets.

“The other method we use involves hand casting using plaster which can be quite traumatic for the child,” Ms Botella said.

“The plaster would be applied on the cranial area which was often distressing for the child and caregivers.

“Having the baby’s ears covered up while the plaster heats and dries would cause them discomfort.

“The new scanning tool allows us to safely capture a cranial image without needing to touch the head.

“The information is fed to a computer and sent to a specialist manufacturer who creates a custom cranial remodelling helmet.

“There still may be instances where we have to use the plaster method, but this now gives us another option.”

Townsville mum Rhianna Powell had noticed her eight-month-old daughter Frankie had developed an asymmetrical head shape after favouring one side.

After seeking medical advice Frankie is now wearing a remodelling helmet and was one of the first patients in Townsville to have it developed using the scanning tool.

“We didn’t really know what to expect when we had our first appointment with the prosthetics and orthotics department,” Ms Powell said.

“Frankie is a bit of a handful, and we were worried how using plaster might have been for her, but the scanning tool was just so easy.

“She just sat there while they scanned her head and then a few days later we had the custom-made helmet.

“Most of the time she is very happy to wear it, going about her normal day and having no issues in having it on.

“We are really happy with the process and the level of support the staff have given to us.”