Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
Pavlik Harness
Information For Parents and Carers
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What is developmental dysplasia of the hip?
Your child has been diagnosed as having Developmental
Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). This is a painless condition where
the head of the thigh bone (femoral head) may be partly or
completely out of place. It can affect one or both hips.
Who can it affect?
It is a common condition affecting 1 in every 1,000 babies.
Certain factors may increase the chance of your baby having
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip. These are known to be
breech birth and family history. More girls than boys appear
to have this condition.
The Pavlik harness treatment
Your child is going to have a Pavlik harness fitted, which is a
soft material splint. The harness enables the hips to develop
normally whilst being held in a stable position.
The splint allows reduction of the femoral head and promotes
hip development, aiming in the long term to minimise the risk of
your child limping and requiring further surgical intervention.
There are risks associated with
this treatment:
•
A vascular necrosis (damage to
the head of the thigh bone) may
occur due to interruption of the
blood supply. The likelihood of
this occurring is 1%.
•
Failure of the splint to work.
•
Pressure sores.
•
Nerve injury.
If your child stops kicking you should contact the hospital.
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How long will my child wear the harness?
Your Consultant will decide on the length of time the harness
needs to be worn. It is usually worn for approximately three to
four months. Your child will need to wear the harness 24 hours a
day throughout this time. You may be able to remove the harness
for bathing for a short period of time, no more than 10-15
minutes. Your Consultant will inform you whether you can do this.
How often will my child attend the
Out-patient Department?
Progress in the harness will be monitored periodically by
clinical assessment and ultrasound scan in the out-patient clinic,
as determined by your Consultant.
What if it does not work?
The harness is usually very successful and further treatment is
not required. If the treatment fails then your child may need an
operation. Your Consultant will discuss this with you.
Will my child be comfortable in the harness?
Your child should not feel any pain or discomfort whilst wearing
the harness. Your child will be able to move their knees and
hips, although hip movements will be partly restricted so that
your child’s hips can improve.
Will my child’s harness need replacing?
Yes, your child’s splint may need changing as they grow.
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Will my child need any special equipment?
•
You will not need any special equipment whilst your
child is wearing the harness.
•
Your child will be able to fit into a normal car seat
and pushchair.
•
Your child will need to wear larger loose fitting clothing
for comfort.
•
Do not place your child in baby bouncers or baby walkers.
How will I care for my child in the harness?
You will still be able to cuddle and play with your child whilst
they are wearing the harness. You should encourage your
child’s natural active kicking, as this will help normal
development of their hips.
You should check your child’s skin for rashes or red areas
underneath the harness on a daily basis (without removing the
harness). If areas of skin are found to be red or develop a rash,
you can treat it by washing and drying the affected area and
pad with gauze swabs which will be given to you.
Sponge bath your child if you are not allowed to remove
the harness.
You should not lift your child by their feet to change a
nappy. Your hand should be placed underneath your child’s
bottom to lift and support during nappy changes.
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What if the harness becomes loose or unfastened?
The harness needs to be fitted correctly to enable the treatment
to work effectively. You can contact the Out-patient Department
during clinic hours, or Ward 78 at any other time. Contact
numbers are available at the back of this information sheet.
How much does the harness weigh?
The harness weighs so little it does not register on the scales.
Do not remove the harness to have your child’s weight checked
at a baby clinic.
Who can I contact if I am worried about my child?
If you are concerned about your child you can contact the
Out-patient Department during clinic hours, or Ward 78 at
any other time. The contact numbers are available below.
Contact details
Out-patient Department
Monday to Friday 9.00 am-5.00 pm
Tel: 0161 701 9001
Ward 78
Tel: 0161 701 7800 (outside these hours)
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No Smoking Policy
The NHS has a responsibility for the nation’s health.
Protect yourself, patients, visitors and staff by adhering to our
no smoking policy. Smoking is not permitted within any of our
hospital buildings or grounds.
The Manchester Stop Smoking Service can be contacted on
Tel: (0161) 205 5998 (www.stopsmokingmanchester.co.uk).
Translation and Interpretation Service
Do you have difficulty speaking or understanding English?
% 0161 276 6202/6342
Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9WL
www.cmft.nhs.uk
© Copyright to Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
TIG 23/10 Produced May 2004 Updated February 2010 Review Date February 2012 (SF Taylor CM2067)