PAVLIK HARNESS PATHOLOGY

In four patients (seven hips) with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) treated with Pavlik harness for a prolonged period and followed by frequent clinical and radiographic examinations (sonography was not available at the time), persistent posterior dislocation was diagnose d. All hips required open reduction. Computed tomography (CT) scans an d three-dimensional reconstructions demonstrated a consistent deficien cy in the posterolateral acetabulum. Operative findings confirmed thes e pathologic changes. Constant pressure of the femoral head held by th e Pavlik harness against the posterior acetabulum apparently causes th is pathology.