Use of the Pavlik Harness in Nonoperative Management of Congenital Dislocation of the Hip

Abstract

The Pavlik harness and its application are described. A series is reported of 25 patients with congenital dislocation of the hip, aged between one day and eight months, all of whom were successfully treated in the harness. Since the harness was found to be effective in treating older infants, it is suggested that treatment of the newborn could be delayed until the age of two or three months, thus avoiding unnecessary treatment of those hips which will reduce spontaneously.