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Topic:

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Issue:

Hip

Category:

Developmental

Title:

What Are the Psychosocial Effects of Pavlik Harness Treatment? A Prospective Study on Perceived Impact on Families and Maternal-Infant Bonding

Author:

Batley, Morgan G. BA; Gornitzky, Alex L. MD; Sarkar, Sulagna MS; Sankar, Wudbhav N. MD

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

February 2024

Reference:

44(2): p e109-e114, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002542

Level Of Evidence:

IV

# of Patients:

55

Study Type:

Prospective uncontrolled cohort study

Location:

Tertiary-care, urban, academic children’s hospital

Summary:

This study evaluates the psychosocial impact of Pavlik harness (PH) treatment on family functioning and maternal-infant bonding. It found that PH treatment did not significantly affect maternal bonding or family dynamics.

Methods:

Caregivers completed the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire and Revised Impact on Family Scale (rIOFS) at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks after treatment initiation. Data were collected through surveys and retrospective chart review.

Exclusions:

Not specified

Results:

73% of patients had stable dysplasia. rIOFS scores improved significantly from baseline through 6 weeks posttreatment (P=0.002 at 6 weeks). Parental bonding scores improved steadily, staying below clinically concerning levels. No significant differences were found in bonding or family functioning based on full-time harness use or demographic factors (age at treatment initiation, birth order, parental history of anxiety/depression, or socioeconomic status).

Conclusions:

Pavlik harness treatment does not significantly affect maternal-infant bonding or family dynamics. Compared to other pediatric diseases, it has a lesser impact on family life than chronic illnesses in school-age children but a greater impact than single-leg spica treatment. This information can help clinicians provide better counseling to families and ease parental concerns.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

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