National Science Foundation awards grant to further Pavlik Harness Study

National Science Foundation awards grant to further Pavlik Harness Study

The National Science Foundation has awarded $340,474.00 to continue an investigative study of the Pavlik Hareness started by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) with the University of Central Florida.

The project “Analysis and Optimization of the Pavlik Harness Treatment of Neonates with Hip Dysplasia” was started in February of 2011 with collaboration between the IHDI and the UCF College of Engineering. The goal of this study is to improve the effectiveness of the Pavlik Harness when used to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in babies.

The study consists of large amounts of data collected from MRI, CT, and many other sources that is being used to develop a computer simulation model of how the Pavlik Harness works to correct hip dysplasia in newborn hips. The goal is to better understand the Pavlik Harness as a treatment method, and develop new techniques for the Pavlik Harness for situations where the harness currently fails.
Continue reading about the NSF Grant to Study the Pavlik Harness

How this project started

When “Larry the Cable Guy’s” son, Wyatt, was initially treated with this harness, it didn’t work, and surgery was recommended. When Wyatt was 8 months of age they saw Dr. Price and he convinced Dan and Cara to try the harness again instead of surgery. Dr. Price made a slight modification in the harness, and the Pavlik Harness worked. Wyatt never needed surgery. Cara asked Dr. Price how he knew to make that adjustment in the harness: ”I’m not really sure. Maybe it’s an experience thing.”
Continue reading about Wyatt Whitney’s story

While hip dysplasia is not life threatening, it is a potentially crippling disorder that causes early-onset arthritis and affects millions of people around the world. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute, founded by the Whitney’s and their Git-R-Done Foundation at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, is the only organization totally dedicated to the prevention, treatment, research and education for hip dysplasia.