Use of the Pavlik harness orthosis is commonly used to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants, but the optimal timing of orthosis initiation remained a topic of debate, according to a recent study. After a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of age and timing of hip orthosis application on outcomes in infants with the condition, researchers concluded that infants treated before three months of age achieved a pooled success rate of 88.79 percent, with lower complication rates of avascular necrosis and residual dysplasia. Treatment initiation between three and six months had a slightly lower success rate of 87.78 percent, with higher rates of avascular necrosis and residual dysplasia.
For the study, the researchers analyzed 22 studies published between 2000 and 2024 from a literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. The conditions they analyzed were success rates, healing times, and complications such as avascular necrosis and residual dysplasia.
The Pavlik harness and Tübingen hip flexion splint were most effective in early-treated cases, whereas later treatment initiation or severe presentations resulted in less favorable outcomes, according to the study.
The findings emphasized the necessity of early screening and timely intervention to optimize outcomes. Future research should focus on refining treatment protocols for delayed presentations and improving management strategies for severe dysplasia.
The open-access study, “Impact of age and timing of hip orthosis on treatment outcomes in infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” was published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma.
