What is the recommended treatment for hip dysplasia in a newborn?

The recommended treatment for hip dysplasia in a newborn is the use of a Pavlik harness. This device is specifically designed to keep the hips in a flexed and abducted position, which helps in properly aligning the femoral head within the acetabulum. The consistent positioning encouraged by the Pavlik harness promotes normal hip development and can lead to spontaneous reduction of the dislocated hip without the need for surgical intervention.

The use of the Pavlik harness is critical during the first few months of life when the hip joint is still developing. It is intended to be worn for most of the day and allows for the natural movement of the legs while maintaining the appropriate position to support proper hip formation.

Other treatments like double diapering or placing a small pillow between the legs are not well-supported by current research and do not provide the same level of therapeutic positioning as the Pavlik harness. Bracing the affected leg can be too restrictive and may not allow for the necessary movement needed for proper hip development. Therefore, the Pavlik harness remains the gold standard in the treatment of hip dysplasia during infancy.