Advice for parents about
developmental dysplasia of the hip
Some babies are born with either one or both hips dislocated or dislocatable. This means that the
hip joint is not secured within its socket.
There is no known cause for this, but girls are more susceptible to the condition than boys and it
tends to run in families. There is also a higher incidence of dislocation of the hip in babies who are
born breech.
This condition is normally diagnosed within the first few weeks of life and treatment should start as
soon as possible for best results.
How is it rectified?
There are various methods to keep the joint in the correct position, which means your baby’s legs
need to be kept wide apart, almost in a ‘frog’ position.
1.
Double Nappies
This simply means your baby has to wear an extra terry nappy over the usual nappy, to
keep your baby’s legs wide apart.
2.
Pavlik Harness
This harness has velcro straps that fit over your baby’s shoulders and around the legs. The
harness is washable and quite comfortable for baby to wear once they are used to it.
What are the benefits of my baby having this treatment?
The majority of babies with unstable hips (with early diagnosis) get better without any further
treatment in the first few weeks of life.
Your baby will have regular appointments in the Outpatient Department and progress will be
checked using an ultrasound scan.
In most cases the hip will become normal in the harness and after 2 - 3 months, no further
treatment will be needed.
What are the risks, side-effects and alternatives to this treatment?
In a few cases the hip does not improve in the harness and a minor operation is needed. After
the operation your baby will have both legs in plaster for 8 - 12 weeks and during this time will
be reviewed regularly by the doctor.
After 8 - 12 weeks, the plaster is removed and normally a Pavlik Harness is applied. After this
treatment, your baby will have regular follow-up appointments to check on progress until the hip
is normal.
The consultant has recommended the use of Double Nappies/Pavlik Harness as being the best
option for your baby.
There are no alternative treatments available. However, there is always the option of your baby
not receiving any treatment at all. The consequences of not receiving any treatment are your
baby will develop a persistent limp and may require extensive surgery later on in life. If you
would like more information, please speak to the consultant or one of the nurses caring for your
baby.
Tips to help you and your baby
To help keep your baby’s hips in the correct position:
Carry your baby on your hip or over your shoulder, with legs apart as much as possible.
Your baby should sleep on his/her back - not on their side, which may push the hip out of
joint again.
Your baby may enjoy a period of time on his/her tummy whilst awake. This will
encourage the hips to sit in an ideal position.
Your baby will feel most comfortable wearing socks/tights and a vest beneath the
harness at all times.
Best results are obtained by keeping the harness on constantly throughout the first week
and then as advised by the consultant for the rest of the time.
Reference:
Care of Infant in a Pavlik Harness. Joanne McBride Ward 1991.
If you have any queries, or require further information,
please telephone the Sunflower Ward on 01332 786856.
Call 111 for non-emergency confidential health care advice and information, 24 hours a day.
“Call 111 when it’s less urgent than 999”
Reference Code: P0573/0189/11.2009/VERSION5
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permission in writing from the Trust. Any external organisations and websites included here do not necessarily reflect the views
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