HANGER PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS, INC.

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Our range of pediatric orthoses includes:
Dennis Brown Bar/Straight Last; foot orthoses; UCBL; shoes and boots; supramalleolar orthosis (SMO); ankle-foot orthoses (AFO); Pavlik Harness; hip abduction orthoses; SWASH; knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO); hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (HKAFO); reciprocal gait orthosis (RGO); Scoliosis orthoses; cranial orthosis.

Click here to download a PDF of Pediatric Hip Orthoses.

Pediatric Hip Orthoses Pavlik Harness: A Pavlik harness is used to reposition the infant's hip joint reducing the chance for subluxation, dislocation and stimulates normal hip formation. Infants are placed in hip flexion and abduction to better seat the head of the femur in the acetabulum. The orthosis is fabricated from material with Velcro closures. These are usually hand washed and laid out to dry. If the orthosis is not donned appropriately there can be skin irritations and it may have less than favorable outcome. This style of orthosis is effective from birth to 6-12 months of age. After this time, if orthotic treatment is still indicated it may be necessary to use a more rigid hip abduction orthosis. (Fig.1)
Hip abduction orthoses: A hip abduction orthosis is designed to be used for infants from 6-8 months of age. This device provides appropriate anatomical alignment to stabilize the hip, promote tightening of loose ligament structures and promote appropriate bone growth. This device is often fabricated from plastic with a soft foam liner. It allows the parent or caregiver to easily clean the orthosis. Application of this device is done by three Velcro straps one at the pelvis or waist and two around the thigh cuffs. (Fig.2)
Scottish Rite orthoses: The Scottish Rite Orthoses is designed to treat Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. This device places the hip in abduction and flexion while allowing the patient to walk. It is comprised of two thigh cuffs that are attached to a pelvic band and hip joints. Some orthoses are fabricated with a bar that maintains the separation of the thigh cuffs. This device is very effective if worn during the early stages of this disease. (Fig.3)
S.W.A.S.H: The S.W.A.S.H. orthosis provides stabilization of the hip for those patients with spasticity and increased tone. The orthosis places the hip in appropriate anatomical alignment aiding in the reduction of subluxation and instabilities that can be prevalent in this patient population. The orthosis can be used as an ambulatory (walking) orthosis as well as aid in stability during sitting. Often times these patients have to use their upper extremities for balance; stabilizing the hips and pelvis effectively frees their hands for other activities. (Fig.1)
Anti-Adduction Orthosis (AAO): This orthosis is designed to prevent adduction of the patient. This helps reduce the scissor style gait that is often prevalent in those patients suffering with spasticity and increased tone. It is comprised of two thigh cuffs with a sub-peroneal (between the legs) joint allowing the patient to walk. (Fig.2)
Hip stabilization orthoses: These orthoses are designed to immobilize and stabilize the hip and surrounding soft tissues following operative management for spasticity, contractures, and hip subluxation and dislocation. In the past, immobilization was done with the use of a hip spica cast. Each device can be removed for easy access to the skin to inspect for abrasions and breakdown and allow easy access to incision site that need to be cleaned and inspected to avoid infection. A removable inner lining can be laundered to maintain good hygiene and prevent secondary skin complications. This style of orthosis can also be used as a transitional orthosis from immediate stabilization and immobilization to rehabilitation. They allow for hip joint range of motion to be adjusted according to the physician prescription and rehabilitation requirements. (Fig.3-4)