What is the most common treatment option for Developmental Hip Dysplasia?

The Pavlik Harness is the most common treatment option for Developmental Hip Dysplasia, particularly in infants diagnosed within the first few months of life. This device consists of a soft, adjustable harness that helps maintain the baby's hips in a proper position, facilitating the correct alignment of the femoral head within the acetabulum. By keeping the hips in a flexed and abducted position, the Pavlik Harness promotes normal hip development and allows for the gradual remodeling of the hip joint, which can lead to a more stable and properly formed joint as the child grows.

This non-invasive approach is preferred due to its effectiveness in many cases and its ability to avoid more aggressive interventions, such as casting or surgery, particularly when the condition is detected early. The treatment is often monitored through regular follow-up appointments and ultrasound evaluations to ensure that the hip joint is developing normally while the harness is being used.

In contrast, other methods such as casting, triple diapering, or surgical intervention may be considered under different circumstances, such as more severe cases or if the Pavlik Harness is not effective. However, for uncomplicated cases of Developmental Hip Dysplasia, the Pavlik Harness remains the first-line treatment due to its successful outcomes with minimal complications.