Pavlik Harness
Pronunciation: PAV-lik
A soft orthotic harness used in infants to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) by maintaining hip flexion and abduction to promote acetabular development.
Full Definition
The Pavlik harness is a dynamic fabric orthosis developed by Czech orthopaedist Arnold Pavlik, used as first-line management for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infants typically up to six months of age. It consists of chest and shoulder straps connected to anterior flexion stirrups and posterior abduction stirrups, positioning the hips in flexion (90–100°) and abduction to encourage femoral head reduction and acetabular remodelling. Editors should capitalise 'Pavlik' as a proper noun derived from a personal name, and should not confuse the harness with the Frejka pillow or von Rosen splint, which are alternative DDH orthoses with different mechanics. In insurance documentation, DDH is the preferred diagnostic term; 'congenital hip dislocation' is now considered outdated.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalise 'Pavlik'; use 'developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)' as the preferred diagnostic term in all current clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The neonatologist referred the infant for Pavlik harness fitting following ultrasound confirmation of Graf Type IIc DDH at three weeks of age." — Pediatric orthopaedic referral letter
- "Capitalise 'Pavlik' and verify the diagnosis is rendered as 'developmental dysplasia of the hip' rather than the outdated 'congenital hip dislocation.'" — Editorial checklist for pediatric orthotics documents