Long-Term Results of Congenital Dislocation of the Hip Treated with the Pavlik Harness

Abstract

We present the radiographic and clinical results of 158 hips (127 congenital dislocations of the hip, 31 acetabular dysplasias) that were followed-up for > 20 years after the application of the Pavlik harness. The mean Sharp angle of these hips was larger than that of the normal Japanese hip, and the mean center-edge angle was smaller. Thirty hips (19%) were classified as class III, according to Severin's classification. Of 48 unaffected hips in the unilateral cases, 15 hips (31%) had steep acetabula. We believe an intrinsic factor disturbs the normal development of acetabular cartilage in both hips of the patients. Thirty-five hips (22.2%) showed variable grades of deformity of the femoral head, neck, or both. Clinically, most of the treated hips were good in the 3rd decade.