Assessing the Evidence for Nonobstetric Risk Factors for Deformational Plagiocephaly: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Plagiocephaly is defined as an asymmetrical distortion of the skull, resulting in an oblique trapezoid or parallelogram head shape. Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) is caused by forces acting on one side of the back of the head, distorting normal skull symmetry.

Objective: The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to critically assess the evidence for nonobstetric risk factors for DP and to make evidence-based recommendations for reducing the prevalence of DP.