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Pavlik harness

A Pavlik harness is a brace often used to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in babies younger than 6 months.

The harness has fabric straps and fasteners that fit around a baby's chest, shoulders, and legs. The harness holds the baby's legs in a spread position, with the hips bent so that the thighs are out to the sides. This keeps the head of the thighbone (femur) in the correct position in the hip socket for normal development.

Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Thomas S. Renshaw, MD - Orthopedics
Last Updated May 11, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 11, 2009
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