Hip Brace

Go to 09:38 timestamp on the video to see only the section on cleaning your Hip Brace.

There are a number of conditions requiring Orthotic treatment with a hip orthosis (or brace), but the most common condition we treat is Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), commonly called Hip Dysplasia. 
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​Newly borns are often treated with a Pavlik Harness at the hospital.  Treatment for infants older than two months and younger than a year are fit a more rigid hip orthosis, adjusted for size, that restricts the range of movement of the hip joints to position the ball and socket for optimal joint development.  In older toddlers and children coming out of casting (for closed or open[surgical reduction] of the hip joint) a more robust custom hip orthosis is made to measurements of your child. The orthosis is often used continuously for the first six to eight weeks and then 12 hours a day, at night time and naps.

What is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip Dysplasia may affect one or both hip joints, and is either diagnosed at birth or may develop during the first year of life. By manipulating the hip joint, the specialist can determine how loose the developing ball and end of the thigh bone (femur) is fitting into the socket (acetabulum) of the pelvis.  If the ball and socket joint is loose it may lead to dislocation.

DDH affects 1 to 2 in 1000 births, more commonly found in girls, the first born or a breech birth position, and those with a family history of DDH.  Often there are no outward signs;  however, leg length, skin folds on the thigh, less or more flexibility on one hip may indicate a potential problem.  Also the appearance of limping, toe walking or waddling in a toddler may warrant investigation. 

What are the treatment goals?

We book an hour for your first appointment at which time Eric Bapty, our Certified Orthotist, will measure and fit the hip brace. 

Treatment goals may be:

• Provide hip and pelvic stability
• Re-distribute pressures on the hip and pelvis
• Limit excessive movement 
• ​Protect the hip and pelvis
  
• Positioning of the developing hip joint 

How to use the Hip Orthosis

Our Certified Orthotist will show you the correct method of putting on the hip orthosis and provide a wear schedule.  Hip braces work best when worn over light clothing such as a sleeper.

The child may take some time to get accustomed to the restriction of movement, but if you have concerns, please book a follow-up appointment.  DDH may be persistent in some children and the brace may need to be worn for more than one year.  In these cases a most robust hip orthosis is designed to meet your child's need.

What funding is there?

Visit our Funding Page.