EFFECT OF CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT ON CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DYSPLASIA OF THE HIP: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LITERATURE.

Abstract

Summary Review Question Abstract What is the effect of conservative treatment on the achievement of normal physical milestones in children with DDH? Review Aims The aim of this review is to investigate the effectiveness of various conservative methods used in the treatment of DDH in children. That is, the paper focuses on critical review of published sources to determine the effectuality of conservative treatment techniques currently used by healthcare professionals to treat children with DDH. Review Objectives The objectives of this paper are: To identify the limitations on the normal physical movement of conservative treatment for DDH. To explore the potential impact on achieving normal physical milestones in infants who have had conservative treatment for DDH. Methods This study adopted the framework of a systemic review (SR) to address the research question and objectives. The researcher outlined a search strategy for screening sources, including inclusion and exclusion criteria for selecting the most relevant articles to utilize for extracting data. Furthermore, narrative analysis was used in data synthesis. Results Findings of this SR indicated that conservative management is effective in treating DDH in children. Conservative approaches such as the von Rosen method, Pavlik’s splint, and Frejka pillow were commonly used in the treatment of DDH. Nonetheless, the von Rosen method was recommended as the safest, fastest and most effective treatment which also improves milestones for physical development. Treatment outcome varied with age. Conclusion In general, conservative methods are effective in treating DDH in children. In particular, von Rosen is the most effectual technique with high success rates as compared to Pavlik’s splint or Frejka pillow. Nonetheless, there were insufficient details linking sex with treatment outcome so future studies should embark on primary investigations to determine how the effectiveness of conservative methods vary in newborn children.