Tag: Cranial Remolding

New Study Shows Sprout3D™ Helps Improve Head Shape More Effectively

New Study Shows Sprout3D™ Helps Improve Head Shape More Effectively

If your baby has been diagnosed with plagiocephaly or brachycephaly, you may be exploring treatment options and wondering what really works. We know this can feel overwhelming, and that’s why we’re excited to share new research that helps answer an important question: How effective is Sprout3D™?

A recent outcomes study from the Hanger Institute for Clinical Research and Education looked at how well Sprout3D performs compared to traditional cranial helmets. For families considering this option, the results are encouraging. 

What Did the Study Look At?

Researchers reviewed real-world treatment data from 1,140 infants diagnosed with plagiocephaly who received cranial remolding orthoses as part of their routine care. Some babies were treated with Sprout3D, Surestep’s 3D-printed cranial helmet, while others were treated with traditional, thermoformed helmets.

To ensure the groups were comparable, babies were matched based on factors, including:

  • Age at the start of treatment 
  • How much asymmetry was present initially 
  • Head shape 
  • Sex 
  • Time since treatment began 
  • Timing of follow-up visits 

The researchers then looked at how much each baby’s head shape improved over time. 

The Results

The study found that babies treated with Sprout3D experienced greater improvement in head shape symmetry compared to those treated with traditional helmets. 

On average, babies using Sprout3D saw about 10% more correction in asymmetry when researchers accounted for factors like how severe the flattening was at the start, the baby’s age, and how long treatment lasted.1

How is Sprout3D Different?

Sprout3D is designed to deliver a precise fit without compromising your baby’s comfort. Because it’s created using advanced 3D-printing technology, each helmet is custom-made based on your baby’s unique head shape and measurements. It offers several features that make it easier to wear consistently:

  • 20% lighter than traditional cranial helmets 
  • Easy-to-use, single-side hinge opening 
  • Breathable, ventilated design 

What This Means for Families

Every baby is unique, and no single treatment option is right for everyone. Your clinician will always consider your child’s individual needs when recommending care. But for parents looking for evidence-based options, this research shows that Sprout3D is an effective option that may offer added benefits in improving head shape symmetry for some babies.  

If you’re considering cranial remolding treatment or want to learn more about Sprout3D, talk with your child’s clinician or request a list of Surestep providers. 

You can explore the full study results here. 

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  1. Carroll, K. M., et al. (2026). Comparison of CVAI correction between 3D printed and thermoplastic vacuum-formed cranial remolding orthoses [Abstract submitted for conference presentation]. 52nd Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium, American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists, Nashville, TN
Hanger Institute Study Shows Strong Clinical Outcomes with Sprout3D 

Hanger Institute Study Shows Strong Clinical Outcomes with Sprout3D 

Since introducing Sprout3D™, we’ve heard encouraging feedback from clinicians and families alike—about fit, comfort, and overall treatment experience. Many have shared that they’re seeing strong clinical results in practice. Now, we’re excited to share data that helps quantify those observations.

A new outcomes study from the Hanger Institute for Clinical Research and Education examined the clinical effectiveness of Sprout3D compared to traditional thermoformed cranial remolding orthoses (CROs). Using real-world data from routine orthotic care, the study provides insight into how 3D-printed CROs perform when it comes to a key clinical measure: improvement in Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index (CVAI).

Study Overview

Researchers from the Hanger Institute reviewed outcomes from 1,140 infants treated for plagiocephaly. Among them, 228 infants received a 3D printed CRO (Sprout3D) and were matched to 912 infants treated with traditional thermoformed CROs. 

Each Sprout3D case was matched with four thermoformed cases based on age at start of treatment, baseline asymmetry, head shape, sex, time since treatment initiation, and follow-up timing. The primary outcome was change in CVAI—a key clinical measure of symmetry improvement. 

Results

The results showed that infants treated with Sprout3D had greater improvement in CVAI than those treated with traditional CROs: 

  • Infants treated with Sprout3D showed a reduction in CVAI from a mean of 7.67% at treatment initiation to 4.38% at follow-up—a 42.9% improvement.  
  • Infants treated with traditional thermoformed CROs improved from 7.63% to 5.17%, representing a 32.9% improvement. 
  • Infants in the Sprout3D cohort achieved significantly lower follow-up CVAI values than those treated with traditional CROs, reflecting an approximately 10% greater overall improvement in cranial asymmetry. 

That means the Sprout3D group experienced clinically meaningful gains in symmetry compared with traditional fabrication methods. 

Why it Matters

Sprout3D was designed to deliver a precise fit, ease of use, and comfort that encourages consistent wear. While these results are promising, this study does not indicate that one device is right for every patient. Clinical judgment and individualized care remain essential. But for clinicians exploring digital workflows or seeking evidence to support device selection, these findings offer compelling real-world data. 

Read the full report here.

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White text on a green background that says Efficient, Comfortable, Effective: Rowan's Journey with Sprout 3D.

Efficient, Comfortable, Effective: Rowan’s Journey with Sprout3D

When parents first learn their child may need a cranial remolding orthosis (CRO), it can feel overwhelming. They may be worried about their child’s comfort, treatment effectiveness, and the impact on their daily life. For baby Rowan and his family, however, the Surestep Sprout3D™ CRO made what can often be a stressful experience a breeze.  

A Parent’s Perspective: Comfort, Speed, and Results

 Rowan’s parents first learned about Sprout3D at their consultation with New England Orthotics and Prosthetics. They were quickly drawn to the helmet’s innovative, user-friendly design. 

“I loved how lightweight it felt and how easy it was to fasten on my son’s head. The overall design heavily influenced my decision to choose Sprout3D,” said Michelle, Rowan’s mom. 

One of the stand-out features for their family was Sprout3D’s unique ventilation. Rowan wore it through the hot summer months, yet he was always comfortable. For his mom, the simple latch closure provided peace of mind knowing that the helmet was secured properly.  

Beyond its comfort and ease of use, Rowan’s family was impressed by how fast they received the device, enabling him to start treatment within a week of being measured. They were surprised at how quickly they saw results, with Michelle sharing: 

“I went into this expecting my son to have to wear Sprout3D for at least three months, but he only had to wear it for a little less than two! I really can’t say enough about how impressed I’ve been with and how grateful I am for Sprout3D!”

A Clinician’s Perspective: Precision and Efficiency 

Rowan’s clinician, Kimberly Hertz, Certified Orthotist, also shared her experience working with Sprout3D. Compared to traditional CROs, she found the fit to be more precise and the process much more efficient: 

“His overall treatment time finished much quicker than we expected. There was no need for tweaking that you’d normally expect with a traditional CRO. I was able to spend more time with the parents and the patient, rather than spending it all with my grinder.” 

Clinically, the outcomes matched what she typically has experienced with traditional CROs, and the consistency stood out: 

“We’ve used Sprout3D with several patients now, and it’s been the same positive experience every time.” 

Innovative Design for Exceptional Outcomes 

For Rowan and his family, Sprout3D made their journey easier, faster, and more comfortable. For his care team, it has become a trusted tool that saves time while delivering excellent outcomes. 

As Rowan’s mom shared: 

“We cannot thank you enough for creating a product that has made what could have been a stressful experience so manageable. I absolutely recommend Sprout3D to any parent.”  

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To learn more about Sprout3D and how you can offer it to your patients, take our introductory on-demand course and earn 1.25 CEUs.

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An orthotist crouches down to adjust a child's ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). Grey text on a blue background reads "More Solutions, Same Trusted Partner: Surestep Expands Pediatric Orthotic Care."

More Solutions, Same Trusted Partner: Surestep Expands Pediatric Orthotic Care

For more than two decades, Surestep has been redefining what’s possible in pediatric orthotics. The Surestep SMO revolutionized orthotic management for children with hypotonia, setting a new standard of care that has helped thousands of kids take confident steps forward. Today, we’re building on that legacy with an expanded lower extremity portfolio, a refreshed website, and a new way to navigate our solutions, all designed to support you, your patients, and their families.  

Explore Our New Lower Extremity Devices

Our line of lower extremity orthoses is designed to support pediatric mobility and comfort—providing stability while promoting function and participation. Each of our new additions is thoughtfully designed with the clinician and child’s experience in mind: 

  • Solid AFO: Designed for kids with low stability or limited range-of-motion, this AFO improves foot, knee, and trunk alignment.     
  • Articulated AFO: With several joint options available, this durable AFO promotes a more typical heel-toe walking pattern and improves dorsiflexion during swing phase.   
  • PLS AFO: Great for kids with poor sagittal plane stability, moderate toe walking, or mild to moderate crouch gait, this AFO supports a smoother, more efficient gait.   
  • Night Stretching Strap AFO: Designed for comfortable overnight wear, this AFO provides a sustained, static stretch for patients with limited dorsiflexion range.   
  • Max Control SMO: Supports kids with excessive pronation, supination, or atypical alignment impacting development, improving balance, foot and ankle alignment, and stability for confident movement. 
  • DASS AFO: An easy-to-use and adjustable nighttime stretching system for pediatric patients that provides a dynamic stretch while protecting fragile joint alignment.

Navigating Our Solutions

Our head-to-toe portfolio is now organized into five clear categories:

Move

Lower Extremity Orthoses

Grow

Cranial Remolding Orthoses

Align

Postural Control Devices

Play

Footwear

Build

Materials & Supplies

We have also categorized our lower extremity orthoses by the level of support or control they offer, so clinicians can quickly identify the best solution for their patient’s needs. 

  • Dynamic Stability: These devices provide stability while allowing for flexibility/ movement and address atypical tone. Patients are able to actively correct when cued.   
  • Functional Support: These devices offer support and stability to promote function and address low/high tone. Patients are able to actively correct when cued. 
  • Alignment Control: These devices provide maximum support and positioning with limited flexibility within the device and address high tone. Patients are able to actively correct when cued. 

Learn On-Demand

Interested in learning more about our new products? Take our free on-demand course, where we walk through the full Move line and equip you with the tools you need to confidently select the best solution for patients with hypotonia/hypermobility or hypertonia/stiffness.  

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Leaps and Bounds Forward

This expansion is more than just new products—it reflects the trusted pediatric expertise, reliable support, and speed our customers have come to expect from Surestep. By expanding our head-to-toe portfolio, we’re equipping clinicians with more solutions to meet real-world pediatric needs, while staying true to the partnership and quality our customers have relied on for decades. 

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