What is the common treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip?

The common treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip is the use of a Pavlik harness. This harness is a soft, strapping system that holds the infant's legs in an abducted and flexed position. This positioning is critical because it encourages the femoral head to remain seated within the acetabulum (the hip socket), promoting proper development and reducing the risk of complications, such as dislocation, as the child grows.

The effectiveness of the Pavlik harness is highest when treatment is initiated early, ideally in the first few months of life when the cartilage is still pliable and the hip joint is more malleable. If the condition is diagnosed and treated promptly with the Pavlik harness, many infants can avoid surgical intervention and develop normal hip function as they grow.

Other options, while they may have roles in managing hip health or fitness, do not specifically address the underlying issue of developmental dysplasia in infants. For instance, physical therapy or weight-bearing exercises are often not appropriate for very young children with this condition, and surgery is generally considered only if non-operative measures, like the Pavlik harness, fail to achieve proper hip stabilization.