Why would a baby wear leg braces?

When dislocated or unstable hips in newborn infants can easily be realigned, usually a brace or harness is used that holds the legs in a better position for the hip while the socket and ligaments become more stable. This encourages normal development of the hip joint.

What causes stiff muscles in babies?

Hypertonia is an umbrella term that describes when there is an abnormally high muscle tone in the infant’s body. High muscle tone causes the baby to be stiff and rigid, especially when held. Newborn babies with this condition may have difficulty with mobility and flexing.

How long do babies wear a brace for hip dysplasia?

If hip dysplasia is picked up at birth, your baby could wear a soft brace (a Pavlik harness) for 6 to 10 weeks. This will help the hip develop normally. A Pavlik harness will not delay your baby’s development. Some babies will need an operation to put the femoral head back into its socket.

How long do babies stay in Pavlik harness?

A pavlik harness usually remains in place for approximately six to 12 weeks (or for as long as the doctor recommends). The harness will hold your baby’s legs in a frog-like position. This is the best position to allow the pelvis sockets to deepen around the thigh bone and for the hip joint to stabilize.

How successful is the Pavlik harness?

The overall success rate using the Pavlik harness is about 90 percent, which means that only around 10 percent of children with DDH need the second phase of treatment.

When do babies legs straighten?

Your baby’s legs to be bowed or feet turned up — This is caused by being held tightly in the womb. Your baby’s legs will straighten out within six to 12 months.

How do I know if my baby has Hypertonia?

These signs include: Too much tension in the muscles while the baby is at rest. Rigid limbs and neck. Difficulty bending and stretching the arms, legs and neck. Very little or no movement of the limbs and neck.

How can you tell if your baby has hip dysplasia?

Common symptoms of DDH in infants may include: The leg on the side of the affected hip may appear shorter. The folds in the skin of the thigh or buttocks may appear uneven. There may be a popping sensation with movement of the hip.

How do you cuddle a baby with a Pavlik harness?

Your baby should sleep on her back. You may place a rolled up towel or baby blanket to hold your baby on her back. Continue to hold and cuddle your baby just like you did before the harness was worn. Hold in a comfortable position without forcing the legs together.

Does my child need a leg and/or foot brace?

Depending on the severity of your child’s condition and the treatment goals, a leg and/or foot brace may be used to enhance mobility, improve alignment, correct abnormal walking patterns, protect and support your child’s bones and muscles, and help achieve physical therapy goals.

How is the brace attached to the leg?

The brace is easily and securely applied to the leg using velcro straps. Rigid support is achieved with the use of metal positioned depending on the degree of support required (severity of injury).

What is an orthokids DBB brace?

One brace is usually sufficient to complete the treatment. The Orthokids DBB is ‘Made in Melbourne’ at our Surrey Hills facility. The brace is designed to maintain the legs in a ‘frog leg’ position. This ensures that the ‘ball’ part of the hip joint is held deeply into the ‘cup’ part, encouraging growth in the correct areas.

How many different sizes do orthokids braces come in?

We have six different sizes to cater for newborns to babies up to nine months old. One brace is usually sufficient to complete the treatment. The Orthokids DBB is ‘Made in Melbourne’ at our Surrey Hills facility. The brace is designed to maintain the legs in a ‘frog leg’ position.