One of the most common devices for treating hip dysplasia is Pavlik's stirrups. The name of the device came from the name of the Czech doctor Arnold Pavlik, who in 1946 introduced a new and, in his opinion, a "functional" correction method. The invention has more than half a century, and wearing stirrups remains an actual method of treating dysplasia all over the world.
To date, the stirrups are a chest bandage made of soft tissue and shoulder, popliteal flexing straps. The device ensures the correct position of the head of the femur, helps to strengthen the ligamentous apparatus of the hip joint, and also centers the head of the hip bone in the acetabulum, which ultimately leads to "recovery" of the joint. Due to this adaptation the child can move, but does not reduce or straighten the legs.
How correctly to choose stirrups for the child?
Since the stirrups can be assigned to the child from birth, or during the first year of life, the device is different in size.
- Pavlik's stirrups 0 - assigned to children aged 1 to 3 months, height 50-60 cm;
- stirrups Pavlik 1 - recommended for children from 3 to 6 months, height 60-65 cm;
- stirrups Pavlik 2 - assigned to children aged 6-12 months, height 70-75 cm;
- stirrups Pavlik 3 - designed for children aged 12 months, growing 75-85 cm.
How to properly wear Pavlik's stirrups?
There are three types of hip dysplasia, and with each pathology, stirrups dress differently. The ideal option would be if an experienced doctor helps you put them on the baby for the first time.
- When the hip is pre-for the first 2-3 days, the stirrups are dressed with minimal hip removal for habituation. Then gradually remove the hips to an angle of 70-90 ° and keep this position until the end of the treatment.
- With the subluxation of the thigh, the stirrups are dressed with such a hip withdrawal, which is possible without much effort. Then dosed off to an angle of 80 ° and kept in this position for 3-4 months. Particular attention is paid to the possible pain for the child during the removal of joints. If necessary, prescribe dry heat or rectal analgesic.
- When the hip is dislocated, the femoral head lies outside the joint, so first the correction is made, and then the hips are fixed at 90 ° for 5-6 months.
It should be remembered that the process of hip dilution is a very important stage in the treatment of dysplasia, which is inhibited by muscles. Cooling, restlessness, and a feeling of hunger can reduce the elasticity of muscles and tendons, and, consequently, the development of hips can be accompanied not only by pain, but also by inflammation of the tendon-muscle complex. After the completion of the hip dilution phase, the length of the straps is conveniently marked with a marker to constantly monitor the unchanged position of the thighs.
How to carry Pavlik's stirrups?
Stirrup at dysplasia should be worn constantly: the child should be in them round the clock, including feeding and bathing. This is the most important rule of successful therapy. Observance of the rules of hygiene when wearing stirrups is extremely important, because the skin of the child is very sensitive to external stimuli. In order for the child to be comfortable in the stirrups, keep an eye on the skin, especially in the places of wrinkles and crotches. The child does not bathe in stirrups, but only partially
Under the stirrups, you can dress a toddler from cotton and socks to the knee level to prevent rubbing the skin. Diapers should be changed without removing the stirrups, for this you should not lift the child by the legs, but you need to put your hand under the buttocks. Depending on the temperature in the room, you can put on a dress or panties over the stirrups, but you should take care that the baby does not overheat and sweat.
In conclusion, I would like to add that regular visits to the orthopedist and surgeon will help you to monitor the treatment process, and your love and care will help to speed up recovery.