Principles of Bracing in the Early Management of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Abstract

Bracing is considered a gold standard in treating Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) in infants under 6 months of age with reducible hips. A variety of braces are available that work on similar principles of limiting hip adduction and extension. This paper summarises the current evidence regarding bracing in DDH. Most of the literature pertains to the Pavlik harness (PH) and there are few studies for other brace types. Bracing eliminates dislocating forces from the hamstrings, the block to reduction of the psoas and improves the muscle line of pull to stabilise the hip joint. Recent studies have shown no benefit in bracing for stable dysplasia. The rates of PH treatment failure in Ortolani-positive hips have been reported to be high. Barlow positive hips have lower Graf grades and are more amenable to PH treatment. There is consensus that the earlier the diagnosis of DDH and initiation of PH treatment, the better the outcome. Failure rates due to unsuccessful reduction and AVN are higher with treatment initiated after age 4–6 months. Studies have shown no benefits of staged weaning of braces. While there is no maximum time in brace, current consensus suggests a minimum of 6 weeks. The key to successful bracing lies in education and communication with the family.

Introduction

Bracing is considered the gold standard in treating DDH in infants less than 6 months of age with reducible hips [1–3]. The infant hip with DDH must be maintained within a safe zone of 100 ° flexion and abduction that does not exceed 60 ° [1]. The use of ultrasonography has improved the detection and grading of acetabular dysplasia with a reduction in delayed diagnosis [4–6]. The use of force or exceeding the safe zone to maintain hip position can lead to complications, such as femoral nerve palsy and avascular necrosis (AVN) [7–10]. It is essential that caregivers are familiar with the different bracing options, their efficacy, indications, use and complications. This paper summarises the current evidence regarding bracing in DDH.

Historically, DDH had been treated by manual reduction of the dislocated hip and rigid positioning in a spica or stirrups [11]. Forceful reductions had a high rate of avascular necrosis [11]. Arnold Pavlik from Czechoslovakia introduced the concept of functional-dynamic reduction and demonstrated a dramatic drop in the incidence of AVN with its use [12]. His seven principles of treatment included 1. Treating the hip with active range of movement, 2. Unforced abduction by flexing the hip and knee with stirrups ensuring reduction, 3. Gentle abduction and flexion redirects the femoral head into the acetabulum which is held in place by the stirrups 4. Abduction position determined by the infant, 5. The device allows easy hygiene, 6. It is simple and can be applied easily by parents and 7. Inexpensive [12].

Types of braces

Brace selection is influenced by the size of the infant, severity of dysplasia, physician preference, local availability and affordability. It is difficult to compare braces and define successful outcomes due to heterogeneity in patient selection and lack of consensus on treatment indications [3, 13]. The simplest form of bracing is double diapering which has not been shown to be useful maintaining hip reduction [14]. Figure 1 shows some commonly used braces.

Fig. 1.

Commonly used DDH braces

Braces can be divided into dynamic and static. Dynamic braces allow the child’s legs to move within the range permitted by the brace whilst restricting adduction and extension. This is favoured in new-borns with typically lower complication rates than static braces [15, 16]. Static bracing holds the hip in a fixed position using rigid supports. Rigid positioning is advantageous in larger infants close to walking age in whom dynamic bracing is not possible [3]. It is also beneficial in unstable hips that have failed dynamic braces [17–20].

The mechanism by which a static splint may succeed where the PH failed is unclear. A rigid brace generally holds hips in less flexion than a standard PH and may be useful for inferior dislocations as they ‘rigidly’ hold the hip position [17, 21].

Two recent comprehensive systematic reviews on braces available to treat DDH have used contrasting outcome measures. Pavone et al. [22] defined their primary outcome measure as “regression of dysplasia”. Ashoor et al. [13] used the crude failure rate as their primary outcome measure. Both studies provided evidence comparing the efficacy of different braces. Their results should be interpreted with caution as normal measurements on ultrasound in infancy do not always correlate with normal radiographs in later follow-up [23]. Therefore, the concept of success and failure of brace treatment should not be treated as a binary entity but a continuum of improving dysplastic parameters. Table 1 describes the pooled outcomes in terms of success and failure represented in the two systematic reviews [3, 13].

Table 1.

Success and failure rates of different braces along with documented complications

Name of Brace	Success rate [22]	Failure rate [13]	Pooled AVN rate [13]	Comments
Dynamic Braces
Pavlik Harness	91.6% of 4779 hips	11.6% of 10,701 hips	5.1% of 10,701 hips	Most used brace
Von Rosen Splint	100% of 333 patients	3.5% of 954 hips	1.1% of 639 hips
Tübingen Splint	97.5% of 713 hips	7.79% of 1001 hips	0.5% of 951 hips
Frejka Pillows	89–97% of 436 hips	7.2% of 606 hips	1.15% of 606 hips
Aberdeen Splint	98.3% of 120 hips	4.1% of 145 hips	0% of 145 hips
Coxaflex	98.3% of 59 hips	NA	NA	No complications reported [82]
Tueffel splint	100% of 59 hips	NA	NA	No complications observed [82]
Static Braces
Abduction Brace	96.8% of 160 hips	NA	NA	5 failures including 2 reported AVN cases [17, 18]
Rhino Brace	87.5% of 40 hips	NA	NA	No complications reported [83]
Ifeld splint	82.1% of 20 hips	NA	NA	No complications reported (70)

Complications of bracing

AVN can affect the outcome of the hip in adulthood [24]. It is mainly associated with dislocated hips and rarely seen in mild–moderate dysplasia [25]. An adduction contracture (defined as abduction < 60 ° when hip flexed to 90 °) is the most reliable clinical predictor for AVN, likely due to the increased force required to maintain hip abduction [26]. Femoral nerve palsy occurs as a result excessive hip flexion with rates of 2.5% [1, 27]. In dislocated and irreducible hips treated with PH, Aarvold et al. reported 3/48 cases whilst Novais et al reported 4/78 femoral nerve palsies in patients with dislocated but reducible hips [19].

Biomechanical principles of bracing

Orlando et al. [28] created a computational model of a pelvis with a dysplastic hip and recreated muscle forces acting for (or preventing) a concentric reduction in PH. They found at 90 ° flexion, the iliopsoas was removed as a block to reduction. The pectineus muscle provided the highest component of pull assisting hip reduction. Graf grade III hips were dynamically reducible in PH. The line of pull of all muscles contributed negatively in Graf IV hips explaining why a reduction was less likely to occur in a PH. Hip flexion also eliminates tight hamstrings that may further act as a dislocating force. [14, 22, 29].

Vaefian et al. [30] using finite element analysis simulated contact cartilage pressures (CCP) at different hip flexion and abduction angles. With increasing flexion, the CCP shifted inferiorly leaving the supero-lateral acetabulum unloaded. Assuming that pressure inhibits growth, this CCP distribution would promote deepening of the acetabulum, which is the aim of PH treatment. With increasing abduction, the overall contact area increased in size and CCP. The CCP increased in a non-linear manner to extreme levels in abduction beyond 80 °.[31] This increase was in the lateral femoral head where the femoral head blood supply is located.

Kreuz et al. [32] measured axial compressive forces transmitted by harness straps in the Tübingen splint which like the PH relies on shoulder straps to maintain hip abduction and flexion. They found that the shoulders of the new-born infants are loaded with a maximum of 93.9% of their body mass or 32.3 N force. In experimental studies, the cadaveric spine buckled under a load greater than 20 N [33]34. While no adverse impact on the developing spine has been documented, forces transmitted through the shoulders may cause injury to the brachial plexus [35]. The infant must be examined thoroughly at each clinical check and the harness applied with care.

Bracing for stable dysplasia

In stable dysplasia, the acetabulum demonstrates dysplasia on ultrasound without dislocation, typically defined as Graf II (Fig. 2); a Morin’s femoral head-to-acetabular diameter ratio also called Femoral Head Coverage (FHC) index of ≤ 40% (Fig. 3) or < 2 mm displacement of the femoral head from the acetabular floor during the Barlow manoeuvre (Fig. 4) [4, 5, 36].

Fig. 2.

Representative images of the 4 different Graf Ultrasound grades (a = Graf I, b = Graf II, c = Graf III, d = Graf IV)

Fig. 3.

Representative image of Morin’s Ratio/Femoral Head Coverage Index

Fig. 4.

Ultrasound image showing a Barlow positive hip subluxating

Recent studies have not shown any benefit in bracing for stable dysplasia. [36, 37] Pollet et al. [37] randomised 104 patients aged 3–4 months with stable Graf IIB and IIC hips into active surveillance or PH groups. They found no differences between groups at 6 and 12 week US checks or radiographic parameters at 2 years. Three of 49 patients from active surveillance group were harnessed within the first 6 weeks for deterioration in dysplastic parameters and seven were braced after study period. They recommend active surveillance for patients with stable dysplasia with well-centered hips [37].

Wood et al. [36] compared bracing and observation in infants between 2 and 6 weeks of age, with stable dysplastic hips. They found a statistical difference in Morin’s ratio between the two groups, however, in both groups, ratios were above the normal range and not relevant clinically. There was no statistically significant difference in acetabular index at 3- and 24-month follow-up [36].

Bracing for unstable dysplasia (Ortolani and/or Barlow positive hips)

The rates of PH treatment failure in Ortolani-positive hips are reported as high (30–60%) [19]. This is related to high Graf grades and inability to achieve a stable reduction in harness. The applicability of the Graf classification where the dysplasia is severe (Grade IV) and the hip is reducible (Ortolani-positive) is limited. In this situation, FHC index is more useful. Ortolani-positive patients have an average FHC index between 23 and 37% with the 90th centile ≤ 33% FHC [38].

Factors associated with failure for the Ortolani-positive hips include lack of adequate abduction at treatment initiation and complications such as femoral nerve palsy [10, 26]. If an Ortolani-positive hip is not reduced and the femoral head subluxated posteriorly in PH, posterior acetabular wall erosion may occur [39]. This may be overcome by using a rigid/static brace, however, flexion is not well controlled in a rigid orthosis and this can lead to AVN [17]40. A systematic review found a significant number of authors reported success in treating dislocated hips with a static brace [41] with 82% of PH failed hips responding to static bracing. Static bracing should be abandoned early if the hip fails to reduce [18, 41, 42].

Barlow positive hips usually have lower Graf grades and are more amenable to successful PH treatment [1, 19, 29, 42–45].

Dislocated, Ortolani negative (irreducible), hips represent the most severe form of dysplasia. In these patients, PH can be used safely and successfully in infants treated before 4 months of age [25]. Aarvold et al. [25] reported on 48 hips such hips: 27 were treated successfully in PH and 21 failed PH, of which, 2 had successful static bracing, 7 closed reductions and 12 open reductions [25].

When to start bracing

The earlier the diagnosis of DDH and initiation of brace treatment, the better the outcomes [4, 6, 46–49]. A late diagnosis is associated with longer, more complex treatment [50]. Failure rates from unsuccessful reduction and AVN are higher with treatment initiated after 4–6 months of age [51–53]. The ideal time for diagnosis and treatment is before 6 weeks of age [54] and the success rate of conservative treatment falls significantly if initiated after seven weeks [21, 55–57]. The more severe the deformity, the earlier the treatment should be started [21, 26, 44, 55].

Duration of brace treatment

There is considerable variability in the duration of PH/abduction braces use. Carmichael et al. [58] showed successful resolution of dysplasia at 1 year when bracing was stopped after achieving normality on US. Treatment times averaged 7–8 weeks [58]. While there is no maximum time in brace, the current consensus suggests a minimum period of 6 weeks [59]. However, a considerable number of clinicians brace for a minimum prescribed 12 week period [60]. A systematic review on bracing reported the average full-time use for dynamic bracing was 16.4 weeks and static bracing was 8.9 weeks [41].

A recent study found introducing US follow-up at 6 weeks significantly reduced the median time in brace from 12 to 6 weeks with no significant increase in dysplastic features at one-year follow-up [61].

Part-time or full-time bracing

Parental education regarding harness application and care is essential for compliance [62–64]. In children that are tolerant and of suitable size, PH application is usually full time with one hour in the day for bathing/hygiene purposes. There is no difference between 23 and 24 h/day harnessing [65]. In children with Ortolani-positive hips, harnesses should not be removed by parents due to the risk of posterior wall erosion and higher failure rates [19].

In older children with residual dysplasia after PH treatment, an abduction brace orthosis may be utilised [66]. This is dependent on the parent and infants ability to cope with bracing as they approach walking age. Studies have shown there is a dose-dependant relationship between improving radiologic parameters and time in harness [67]. However, a pragmatic approach is essential and bracing may be abandoned if a child is intolerant of the orthosis.

Frequency of follow-up in brace

There is limited evidence on the optimal timing or frequency of follow-up and imaging after commencing PH. Regular reviews provide the opportunity to screen for potential complications and reduce the time in the harness [23, 61, 68]. A recent systematic review suggested weekly or 2 weekly examinations with US in harness [27].

A survey of surgeons showed the most common time to review the child after applying a harness was one week and the most common time to repeat the ultrasound was one week in the US and four weeks in Europe [60]. A study looking at the PH efficacy found that sonographic hip stabilization was achieved in 87.4% of 547 patients, mean age 2.3 m, after 4 weeks [69]. A systematic review suggested that the harness should be discontinued if the hip is not reduced within 4 weeks to avoid possible posterior acetabular wall damage [27].

Static bracing is a viable option for treating unstable hips after PH failure [20, 70] and may avoid the need for more invasive treatment methods under general anaesthesia [71]. Malkawi et al. [69] suggest this switch is generally preferred in the US where they would attempt the static brace after 3 weeks compared to those in Europe who would attempt it after 4 weeks. A recent study demonstrated poor results with static splinting after a PH and felt it was an unnecessary delay to a closed reduction. However, it should be noted that all three of the patients that failed the static bracing had irreducible hips [20].

At our institution, we stratify US examination follow-up depending on the severity of hip dysplasia (Table 2). Hips with stable dysplasia are brought back for US at 6 weeks when most patients come out of harness. This is in agreement with current evidence [61]. Unstable hips are brought back for weekly US and referred to the paediatric orthopaedic clinic if they are not centred by 2 weeks where a decision is made on further management. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have successfully trialled and implemented video consultations for patients that only need clinical assessment and harness adjustment. This has now been incorporated into our protocol (Table 2).

Table 2.

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Neonatal Hip Clinic Surveillance Protocol

Graf	I	IIa		IIb	IIc/d	III	IV
Angles	Graf α ≥ 60 ° Graf β < 55	Graf α = 50 °–60 ° Graf β = 55 °–77 ° Age < 3 months		Graf α = 50 °–60 ° Graf β = 55 °–77 ° Age > 3 months	Graf α = 43–49 ° Graf β > 77 °	Decentred (unmeasurable Graf angles)	Dislocated (unmeasurable Graf angles)
Examination findings	Normal or Reduced Abduction	Normal	Reduced Abduction	Normal/Abnormal	With or without instability	Unstable
Pavlik Harness treatment	Not Needed	None	6 weeks minimum (up to 12 weeks)			12 Weeks	12 Weeks after discussion with consultant
Education	Home Stretches (if exam abnormal)	Harness education and video clinic appointment information
Video consultation Weekly	Not Needed	USS at 3 months of age (if abnormal treat as IIb)	Offer			After USS Improvement to Graf IId
USS timepoints			At 6 weeks and 2 weekly till Graf α ≥ 60 °			Weekly till hip is reduced (for 2 weeks)
						Hip centred at 2 weeks		Hip not centred at 2 weeks
						Repeat scan at 6 and 12 weeks
Pelvic Xray at 6 months		Yes						Refer to orthopaedic clinic
Follow-up	Discharge	Refer to orthopaedic clinic

Weaning of the brace/harness

The concept of weaning arises from trying to mitigate the potential risk of late residual acetabular dysplasia after normal ultrasound and completion of harness treatment [72, 73]. The reported rate of late dysplasia is 3–17% [74–76]. As the acetabulum develops, imaging necessarily changes from ultrasound to radiographs and with ongoing follow-up the clinically relevant radiographic parameters change from acetabular index to centre edge angle [75, 77]. Continued follow-up is necessary and most patients that may need further treatment are identified by 18 months of age [75]. Radiographic dysplasia may be visible up to 5 years of age in 3.7% of patients [75, 76]. Studies have shown no benefit at one year between staged weaning versus no weaning [72, 73]. A consensus report based only on anecdotal evidence, recommended weaning a PH after normal US [59]. It is not our departmental practice to wean the PH.

Monitoring following brace removal is recommended until normal development is assured but the literature is limited in defining the optimal frequency or duration of follow-up. Cashman et al. [23] found that most patients with severe late dysplasia (CEA < 20) could be identified by the trend of the AI measured before the age of 18 months and all by CEA measurement at five years. Thus, they suggested radiographic surveillance until five years of age constituted a safe and effective follow-up [23]. The Stanmore protocol identifies the stages in the progression of DDH when imaging could detect treatment failures or complications [78]. They propose that surveillance after successful PH treatment can be limited to 6 months, 1, 2 and 5 years of age (Fig. 5) [78].

Fig. 5.

RNOH Stanmore post brace/harness and operative treatment follow-up schedule

The neonatal DDH clinic

The key to the success of the PH lies in the education and communication with the family which can be performed in an outpatient setting [79]. A cause of PH failure is often the parents’ low compliance with brace use. Parents play a key role in the effective use of the splint, and they must be educated about its proper use to increase the chance of success [63]. A prospective study found that active maternal participation under direct supervision of an orthopaedic surgeon, could ensure a satisfactory outcome and reported an overall 94% complete compliance rate [80]. A retrospective study found that Ortolani and Barlow testings were more sensitive when performed by an orthopaedic surgeon compared to other healthcare specialists [34]. At our institution, the neonatal DDH clinic is run by a trained extended scope physiotherapist, nurse practitioners and a radiologist. We believe that the PH can safely be initiated and managed by an experienced multi-disciplinary team supervised by an orthopaedic surgeon.

Treatment protocols

The AAOS has the most extensive guidelines on the appropriateness use criteria (AUC) for different treatment modalities for DDH in infants under 6 months [81]. We only identified one other published protocol for PH/Brace treatment [56] which is broadly similar to our departmental protocol (Table 2).

Summary

Bracing in early DDH is considered the gold standard treatment method with low complication rates. However, there is a lack of high quality evidence to support this belief due to the heterogeneity of patient populations reported in the literature and the variations in practice. PH is the most commonly used brace. There is a wide applicability of PH in DDH. It should be carried out by experienced caregivers with close follow-up especially in the higher Graf grades. Failure rates are higher with treatment initiated after 4–6 months of age. There is no recommended maximum time for brace use, but the current consensus suggests it should be applied for a minimum of 6 weeks. Education and communication with the family are essential for a successful bracing outcome.

Declarations

Conflict of interest

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Ethical standard statement

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by the any of the authors.

Informed consent

For this type of study informed consent is not required.