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 thigh bone (femur) in the correct position in the hip socket for normal development.
Current as of:
July 1, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: John Pope MD - Pediatrics Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine