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Pediatrics
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Local firm offers new technology to treat cranial asymmetry among infants
Harry J. Lawall & Son, Inc., headquartered in Philadelphia, has recently acquired a new STARscanner™ laser data acquisition system that greatly improves the orthotic treatment of cranial asymmetry among infants.
After a clincial report titled "The Prevention and Management of Positional Skull Deformities in Infants" was released last July by the American Academy of Pediatrics, awareness of cranial asymmetry has greatly increased among parents and health care providers. The report outlines clinical management of positional plagiocephaly including the cranial remolding orthoses like those fitted at Lawall.
The STARscanner™ utilizes Type I lasers (eye-safe lasers) to scan the exact three-dimensional shape and size of the infant's head. This highly accurate data is then used to fabricate a custom cranial remolding orthoses. Prior to this type of laser scanning technology being available, a casting process was required that was messy, took a relatively long time, and in some cases was traumatic for the infant and the parents. However, using the STARscanner™ Lawall orthotists are able to complete the entire scanning process in less than two seconds!
"This technology makes all of the difference when we are fitting an infant for a cranial orthosis," said Jack Lawall, one of the certified orthotists on staff at Lawall.
In addition, Lawall is now able to compare and track the patient's progress throughout the treatment process. The STARscanner's™ comparison utility software can record and provide detailed summary reports for use by the referring physician, the insurance company involved, and the infant’s parents to illustrate positive clinical outcomes.
"Since we've been using the new equipment we have the cut the delivery time in half," said Lawall. "I am especially impressed by the detailed measurements and the graphical reports it can generate to track outcomes."
After the manufacturing process is completed, the entire treatment process generally takes three to four months, but varies depending on the infant's age and severity of cranial asymmetry.
Prosthetic Pediatrics:
Prosthetic care for a pediatric patient is a far different from treating an adult. Pediatric care requires much more than adapting adult components to fit a smaller person. A prosthetist must be able to meet challenges that range from fitting congenital anomalies to providing a light weight prosthesis that will allow a child to be a child and stand up to rigors of an active lifestyle.
We work closely with the child patient, the child's parents, and rehabilitation team to maximize the potential and enjoyment that the patient derives from sports and daily activities. Lawall has been providing prosthetic care to children for over 30 years. We are on site at 5 major children's hospitals on a daily basis and have full service facilities in 2 of those hospitals.
Orthotics Pediatrics:
Orthotics for pediatric patients is a specialty all its own. A child's needs and attention span is far different than that of our adult patients. At Lawall, pediatric care is not only one of our specialties, but it is a passion to us as well. Our practitioners are certified and licensed, all have specialized training in pediatric orthotic care.
Lawall representatives are on site in 5 major children's hospitals on a daily basis, with full service facilities in at least 2 of these hospitals. The patients' interaction with our rehabilitation team is what enables us to be on the cutting edge of new techniques and devices. Our mission is to provide the finest pediatric care which begins with the clinic team. We work closely with doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and most importantly the families of the children we are caring for.
Working with children and their families is always a pleasure. Our facilities are bright and cheerful which creates a inviting environment allowing our child patients to relax and have fun, resulting in the best possible outcomes.
We are a full service manufacturing facility. We create and manufacture many of the products we supply to our children. We also specialize and work closely with manufacturing experts such as:
• Cascade DAFO's
• Sure Step AFO's
• Boston Brace
• Ortho-America
• Star Band-Cranial Molding Helmets
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