Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) occurs when the femoral head is not properly seated within the acetabulum (hip socket), ranging from instability to subluxation to complete dislocation. The Pavlik harness is the primary treatment for DDH diagnosed before 6 months of age. It holds the infant's hips in flexion and abduction to keep the femoral head centered in the hip socket, allowing the acetabulum to develop and deepen normally around the femoral head over 6-12 weeks of continuous wear.