Japan Medical Company Helmet Officially Adopted for Post-Surgical Treatment of Pathological Cranial Deformity at Yamaguchi University Hospital

Japan Medical Company (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Hideaki Ono) announced that its cranial orthosis helmet has been officially adopted by the Department of Neurosurgery at Yamaguchi University Hospital (Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture) for postoperative helmet therapy following endoscopic suturectomy for pathological cranial deformity (such as craniosynostosis).

While the hospital has long performed surgery and postoperative management for pathological cranial deformity, the company's helmet has now been officially introduced to manage cranial shape (shape guidance) while protecting the head after surgery. This establishes an operational structure that allows for adjustments and follow-up tailored to the infant's condition, enabling finer postoperative care.

■ Background: Causes of Infant Cranial Deformity and Postoperative Care Requirements
Infant cranial deformity is categorized into positional deformity, often caused by sleeping posture, and pathological deformity (such as craniosynostosis), which requires surgical intervention. Treatment plans are determined through examinations, diagnostic imaging, and assessment of the infant's age and developmental stage. When pathological deformity is suspected, professional assessment and appropriate clinical pathways are critical.

While helmet therapy is becoming widely known, clinical systems vary. At specialist hospitals partnered with the company, efforts are underway to establish care systems that include accurate diagnosis, surgical intervention if necessary, and integrated postoperative management. For surgical cases, managing head shape (shape guidance) while protecting the surgical site during growth is essential. Post-surgical helmet therapy is one treatment option used as part of this management.

■ Post-Surgical Helmet Therapy and Features of the Custom-Made Helmet
Post-surgical helmet therapy aims to assist in managing cranial shape (shape guidance) while protecting the head. Continuous follow-up under a physician's guidance is essential.

- Individualized Design (Using 3D Measurement)
Head shape is captured via 3D scanning, and the helmet is custom-made to fit each infant's condition.

- Continuous Support (Specialist Staff Support)
Japan Medical Company’s “Helmet Therapy Support Specialists” are stationed at medical facilities to support clinical operations. Based on physician instructions, they adjust inner cushions and provide detailed individual follow-up tailored to the treatment progress.

- Continuous Follow-up and Adjustments
Necessary adjustments are made throughout the wearing period in coordination with regular medical examinations and evaluations.

■ Significance at Yamaguchi University Hospital
Yamaguchi University Hospital, with 754 beds, serves as the only designated function hospital in Yamaguchi Prefecture, providing advanced medical care. The adoption of the company's helmet under this high-level medical infrastructure establishes a treatment option that combines head protection and shape management. The hospital is expected to further enhance its clinical pathways from surgery to postoperative shape management under the guidance of neurosurgeons.