The Splint
A Pavlik Harness has been prescribed to treat your child's hip problem. The following information should help you to properly care for your child and the harness during treatment. It is important that you understand and follow the instructions given in order to effectively maintain the correct hip treatment.

The Pavlik Harness consists of shoulder straps, a chest band, boots or foot cuffs, and connecting straps to maintain the hips in proper position.

General Instructions
The physician will determine the number of hours per day the Pavlik Harness needs to be worn.

Bathing:
If daily bathing out of harness is not allowed, a daily sponge bath should be substituted. You may unbuckle the shoulder straps one at a time to change the T shirt, as needed, while a second person is holding the hips in a flexed/abducted position. The nurse will show you how to do this.

Check skin daily for irritation, paying close attention to the skin under the straps. If skin irritation or any sign of skin breakdown occurs, notify your nurse or physician.

Clothing:
The Pavlik Harness should be placed over an undershirt and a diaper. Long loose socks should be used under the booties to protect the skin.

Any clothing that fits, such as a one piece sleeper without feet, dresses, large polo shirts, or kimonos may be placed over the harness.

You may diaper as usual without interfering with the harness Simply fasten the diaper tapes under the straps.

Pavlik Harness Care:
A damp washcloth or a stiff toothbrush with soap can be used to clean the harness.
The harness should be patted dry with a towel or blown dry with a hair dryer set on a cool setting. The harness should never be placed in a clothes dryer.

Do not remove the harness for cleaning unless so instructed by your doctor.

To Apply the Harness: (See picture below)

• Place child's back on the V portion of the harness.
• Fasten the chest band.
• Connect the shoulder straps to the chest band.
• Attach both booties. Two straps hold the foot in place. One strap is fastened just below the knee.
• Attach the front connecting straps to the chest band.

To Remove the Harness:

• Remove the Velcro on one side of the chest band.
• Disconnect the two shoulder straps.
• Remove both booties.
• Remove the front connecting straps. The back connecting straps should never be removed.

For More Information
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us.
Orthopaedic Physician Assistant: (860) 545.9100
Orthopaedic Care Center: (860) 545.9070