There are dozens of braces and harnesses that are used to treat hip dysplasia. All of them hold the hip in the best position so the socket can develop properly. A brace may be referred to as a hip abduction orthosis.
Various Hip Abduction Braces
- Ask your doctor how many hours the brace needs to be worn each day and when you can remove it
- Don’t leave the clinic without understanding how to change diapers and how to take off the brace and put it back on. Most can be removed for bathing after an initial period of full-time treatment.
- Children are usually allowed to be active with their braces on. Older children may learn to crawl, stand up, or walk in their braces.
- Braces are more comfortable than they appear. Pain almost always means that the brace doesn’t fit properly.
- Chaffing and skin irritation can be helped with cotton T-Shirts or light clothing that covers the legs.
- Positioning for car seats, high chairs, and other activities are similar to suggestions in the spica cast section.
- Pillows and other padding can be used in bed to help support the legs, but any position is OK when the brace is used.
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Treatment Tips for Parents