For how long is a Pavlik harness typically used in children diagnosed with hip dysplasia?

The Pavlik harness is typically utilized in infants diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) to maintain the hip joint in a proper position to encourage optimal development. Its primary purpose is to keep the hips in a flexed and abducted position, which allows the femoral head to remain well seated in the acetabulum, promoting normal joint formation.

The use of the Pavlik harness generally begins soon after birth and can continue until the child is around 6 months old. During this timeframe, regular follow-up exams are essential to monitor the hip's position and the effectiveness of the harness. If the condition is not adequately addressed within the early months of life, there is a risk of long-term complications or the need for more invasive surgical interventions later.

Understanding the recommended duration of the Pavlik harness—birth to 6 months—highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of hip dysplasia in infants, emphasizing the crucial development phase in a child's early life.