The Pavlik Harness fails in approximately 40% of “Ortolani Positive” hip dislocations. These are hips that are dislocated at birth but can be put back into the socket during examination. The Pavlik Harness is used instead of a cast or more rigid immobilization in an attempt to hold the hip in the joint until the hip becomes stable. A recent scientific publication by KK White, et.al. have identified a possible ultrasound finding that may predict failure of the Pavlik Harness. Such a finding would allow earlier change to a different, and hopefully more successful, form of treatment.
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