PAVLIK HARNESS FOR FEMUR FRACTURE

What is a Pavlik Harness?

A Pavlik Harness is a device used in infants usually for the treatment of a hip disorder to keep the hip joint in place. It can also be used for babies with a broken femur (thigh bone). The harness helps to keep the bone in position while it heals. These instructions are for use of the Pavlik harness for a broken femur.

How is a Pavlik Harness placed?

The harness is placed by your baby’s health care provider who will adjust the straps to the proper place. The position of the straps should not be changed. Your baby’s knees should be bent and the thighs held apart by the harness. It is very important that you not remove the harness at any time unless instructed by your baby’s bone/orthopedic doctor.

How should the Pavlik Harness fit?

  • The chest strap needs to be fairly tight but not too tight.
  • You should be able to fit two fingers underneath the strap so that the chest can move during breathing.
  • The ankle and lower leg straps should be tight enough to hold the foot, but not too tight. Too tight means that it causes poor circulation to the feet (for example, color changes to red, blue, or purple, swelling)
  • It may take a few days for your baby to get used to the harness.
  • Some babies may be more fussy than usual. This is normal.
  • Do not remove the harness unless you are instructed to do so by your baby’s bone/orthopedic doctor.
  • DO NOT adjust the leg straps. If you feel the straps need to be adjusted, call your baby’s bone doctor/orthopedic surgeon.

How should I bathe my baby?

  • Use only sponge (wash cloth) baths while the baby is in the harness.
  • Dry your baby’s skin very well.
  • Look at your baby’s skin every day for any irritation (for example, redness, chaffing, rashes). Check all skin folds behind the knees and in the diaper area for irritation.
  • Don’t use any lotions or skin creams during the time your baby is in the harness.

How should I diaper my baby?

  • When putting on a diaper, be sure that the diaper is fastened under the straps
  • When changing the diaper, slide the diaper under the baby’s hips without lifting the legs by the feet.
  • If the harness strap becomes soiled, do not remove the harness. Use some gentle soap on a wash cloth and rub the dirty spot. Then allow the strap to air dry.
  • If the Pavlik harness becomes very soiled, call your baby’s bone doctor/orthopedic surgeon.

How should I dress my baby?

  • Dress your baby in loose clothing.
  • An undershirt can be worn under the harness and changed when needed without removing the harness:
  • First, slip the shirt over the head.
  • Next, unfasten the shoulder straps one at a time and slide each arm into the shirt.
  • Fasten the shoulder straps.
  • Next, unfasten the chest strap, then slide the shirt down over your baby’s belly, hips, and butt.
  • Then, refasten the chest strap.
  • Booties or socks can be put on by unfastening the Velcro straps of the foot stirrups. Do this one foot at a time.
  • Place the sock or bootie on the foot, replace the foot in the stirrup and refasten the Velcro straps.

Is there anything special I should know about feeding my baby?

  • After you feed your baby, the strap across the belly can appear tight.
  • You may loosen the Velcro belly strap only for a short time while your baby’s stomach is full. Retighten the Velcro strap after the baby is more comfortable.

How should I hold/position my baby in the harness?

  • DO NOT HOLD your baby in a “standing position” while in the Pavlik harness.
  • It is OK if your baby kicks.
  • Take turns positioning your baby on either side while in the harness. Use a small blanket to support the baby behind their back
  • It is very important that your baby still rides in a car sea with the harness on.
  • Your baby should not be placed on his or her belly/tummy

What follow-up care is needed for my baby?

  • You will need to make an appointment for your baby to been seen regularly with the orthopedic doctor for x-rays and a check-up. This will help your baby’s doctor decide when the bone has healed enough that the harness is no longer needed.

When should I call the orthopedic office for help?

  • If your baby’s feet are swollen, puffy or discolored even after the Velcro straps have been loosened.
  • The harness looks like it is getting small.
  • Your baby stops kicking or moving one leg.
  • Areas of skin become very red or a rash develops.
  • Your baby is more fussy or very irritable.
  • You have any questions or concerns about the Pavlik Harness.

Helpful resources for Pavlik harness information:

POSNA.org

AAOS.org

Hip-baby.org