Active versus passive bands

DOC band™ is a dynamic cranial orthotic band, the first available world-wide.

In the United States as well as in Spain there have been forum discussions as to the effectiveness of active and passive bands. The active (or dynamic) band concept is well-defined in the articles published by Cranial Technologies Inc. (see Home, click on 1994 and 1998) and can be simply considered a localised action on the deformed part of the head, resulting in a natural remoulding.

The Clarren helmet concept (the first passive band available world-wide) has been well documented by the manufacturer and is based upon passive craneal growth with pressure-free growth areas.

Practically the only articles published in international scientific reviews on the results of orthopedic treatment of plagiocephaly correpond to prospective studies carried out with DOC band™. There are no results for other band types and even less so for passive or local band types.

Many people believe that the only difference between a DOC band™ and passive bands is in the price and that all band types have the same effect. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The main advantages of the DOC band™ treatment of plagiocephaly with respect to passive bands are:

• Average treatment period 4 months (range 5 weeks to 6 months). In children aged 3-6 months treatment would normally be 5 to 12 weeks.


• Average use of second band is 12.5%, whereas passive band systems typically need two to three band changes and two to three times the treatment period compared to the DOC band™.


• Expected improvement with DOC band™ at 6.9 months of age are 60% for cranial vault, 47% for the skull base and 42% facial (data 1998, improved results since).


• Skin problems occur in less than 5% of cases.


• The idea of rounding off the head misses the point. DOC band™ has been shown to scientifically respect the natural shape of the head, and in no way interferes with natural growth. Results are maintained over time and no functional side-effects have been reported.


• DOC band™ is comfortable and lightweight meaning that patients adapt to it from day one.


• DOC band™ allows the treatment of children of up to two years of age.


• The making of a personally customised DOC band™ is based on the experience gained from the treatment of more than 35.000 cases over the last 18 years.


• Cranial Technologies Inc. does not manufacture just a single type of band. Each band is made to measure for each unique patient.


• Cranial Technologies Inc. is a company dedicated only to the manufacture of cranial orthoses and the treatment of cranial deformities.


• Every band and every patient benefits from Cranial Technologies Inc. continued research and innovation.


• All staff have a strong medical background. Before they are allowed to treat patients, they are required to spend four weeks in intense training. Clinicians also attend twice-yearly continuing education at our Arizona headquarters. Our clinicians must pass a written and practical test before independently treating infants. This ensures that every child receives the same level of care and the same outcome.

The idea can be copied but not the results. The Spanish DOC band™ clinics employ highly qualified staff. Feel free to call our Barcelona centre: 0034 937473200 (Mercè or Bill) to save time and trips. Experience, competence and full dedication are the best recommendation.