What This Procedure Involves
The Pavlik harness is a soft fabric harness with shoulder straps and stirrups that hold the baby's hips in a flexed, abducted position. It is fitted by an experienced orthopaedic team. The posterior strap limits adduction (prevents the legs from coming together) and the anterior strap maintains flexion. The harness is worn full-time initially, with adjustments made at regular clinic visits. Ultrasound monitoring confirms the hip is reducing and developing normally.