Pavlik Harness Care
The Pavlik Harness is a brace that is most commonly used for babies who have a hip disorder. The purpose of the harness is to keep the hips and knees bent (flexed) and thighs spread apart (abducted). This position is best to help the hip grow normally.
The Pavlik Harness will be put on your baby by the doctor who will position the straps at the proper place. The extra length of the straps will be folded and taped down. The straps will be marked at the Velcro level to make sure the strap length stays the same. The nurse will help the doctor make adjustments during follow-up visits.
Personal Care / Procedures
Do not remove the harness unless instructed to do so by your doctor. You will have to bathe your baby by giving him a sponge bath. Take special care to check all skin folds, especially behind the knees and in the diaper area. Keep these areas clean and dry. You can use rubbing alcohol on the skin at the edges of the harness to toughen the skin.
You should dress your baby in loose clothing. Be sure that the clothing or blankets do not bring your baby's knees together. The nurse can show you how to put a t-shirt on under the harness without loosening the straps. Putting the shirt on takes a little time, but it will help keep your baby's skin from becoming red and sore.
Booties or socks can be put on your baby's feet by loosening the Velcro bands of the foot stirrups one foot at a time. Place the sock on the foot, replace the foot in the stirrup and fasten the Velcro bands.
When diapering, be sure that the diaper is fastened under the straps. Disposable diapers or cloth diapers with plastic bands that snap on the sides will help protect the harness from urine and stool. If the harness straps become soiled, use a gentle soap on a wash cloth and rub the dirty spot. The strap will air dry.
After your baby has been fed, the strap across the belly can appear to be tight. Only loosen the Velcro belly band while your baby's stomach is full. Snug up the Velcro strap after your baby is more comfortable.
Activity
When your baby is ready to turn over or crawl, the harness should not hold them back. It is not necessary for your baby to be limited from any activities, as long as the harness is in place and your baby's thigh's stay apart.
Follow-up Care
The doctor will follow your baby in the office. He will tell you when you may start removing the harness and exactly how many hours each day the harness must be in place. It is important to follow the instructions the doctor gives you.
Please call the orthopedic nurse or orthopedic doctor if you are having problems. For hip dislocations, follow-up adjustments occur weekly or every two weeks and should be performed by the orthopaedist
Problems may include the following:
- Your baby's feet are swollen or puffy even after the Velcro straps have been loosened
- The harness appears to be too small
- Areas of his skin become raw or a rash develops
- You're having problems adjusting to your child being in the harness and you would like to talk about it
Contact Us
If you need to reach the Orthopaedic Nurse before 4 pm, Monday through Friday, please call 513-636-4567. After 4 pm, and during weekends and holidays, please call 513-636-4200 and ask that the Orthopaedic Resident on call be paged.
For additional information on this or any health topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Written 6/88; Rev. 11/92;
Rev. 11/03; 9/04; 4/07
