A 3-month-old girl has a dislocated but reducible left hip confirmed on ultrasound (Graf Type III). She is otherwise healthy. What is the most appropriate initial management?

• A Pavlik harness ✓
• B Closed reduction and hip spica application
• C Salter innominate osteotomy
• D Observation with repeat examination at 1 year

Explanation

In infants younger than 6 months with a dislocated but reducible hip, the Pavlik harness is the standard first-line treatment, achieving success in about 90 percent of cases. It holds the hip in flexion above 90 degrees with limited abduction, allowing the acetabulum to remodel around the reduced head. Closed reduction and spica are reserved for harness failure or presentation after 6 months of age, and osteotomy has no role at this stage.

Reference: Tachdjian's Pediatric Orthopaedics, 5th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.