Session: Poster session A

A new device to quantify abnormal head posture

Introduction:

Abnormal head posture is a frequent problem in orthoptics and ophthalmology. Nevertheless, it is rarely measured in a direct way and the available devices are not child-friendly.

Reliable assessment of abnormal head posture is of great importance for evaluating the abnormal head posture itself and the underlying disease, for determining treatment and for evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention.



Methods:

We discuss the basic concept of a new, cheap, contact-free and user-friendly ‘torticollimeter’, make recommendations on its use and highlight its advantages and disadvantages in comparison to similar devices.

 

Results:

This new, low-cost and easy-to-use device, allows measuring separately the 3 components of abnormal head posture, even without cooperation of the patient. Its validity and reliability though, still have to be proven.

 

Conclusions:

As measuring the abnormal head posture may have a diagnostic, therapeutic, prognostic and evaluative value, an accurate measurement is essential. Our newly developed 'torticollimeter' is a cheap and easy-to-use tool to reach this aim, even in non-cooperative children.