Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
Author Spotlight: A Novel 3D-Printed Titanium Implant for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Hip Dysplasia in Young Dogs
Published on: April 19, 2024
Functional treatment of developmental hip dysplasia with the Tübingen hip flexion splint
Hakan Atalar1, Cuneyd Gunay, Mahmut Komurcu
11 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara - Turkey.
Insights
The Tübingen hip flexion splint effectively treats developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infants. This study found a 93.3% success rate, with no complications, highlighting its efficacy for infant hip deformity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Developmental Biology
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a significant orthopedic condition in infants, potentially leading to long-term disability.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes in DDH management.
- The Tübingen hip flexion splint is a specific orthotic device designed for DDH treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the treatment outcomes of infants diagnosed with DDH using the Tübingen hip flexion splint.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of the Tübingen splint in correcting hip deformities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 49 infants (60 hips) diagnosed with DDH via Graf method ultrasonography.
- Orthotic treatment with the Tübingen hip flexion splint was initiated for hips classified as Graf type 2b or worse.
- Treatment success was defined by achieving a mature hip (Graf type 1) with no residual acetabular dysplasia on follow-up imaging.
Main Results:
- The study included 49 infants (45 female, 4 male) with 60 affected hips.
- Median age at treatment initiation was 18 weeks, with a median treatment duration of 17 weeks.
- A high success rate of 93.3% (56/60 hips) was achieved, with no reported complications. Acetabular dysplasia resolved in 4 cases during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- The Tübingen hip flexion splint facilitates hip abduction while allowing knee and ankle mobility.
- The findings indicate that the Tübingen hip flexion splint is an effective and safe treatment option for infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip.
Objective:
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a deformity that may cause to serious disability. Early diagnosis and early treatment are very important. Our aim is to report the outcomes of infants with DDH who were treated with the Tübingen hip flexion splint.
Materials And Methods:
Retrospectively, 49 patients (45 female, four male; 60 hips) diagnosed with DDH were included in the study. For diagnosis, all patients underwent ultrasonography of the hip performed according to the Graf method. Infants whose hips were Graf type 2b or worse underwent orthotic treatment. Treatment success was defined as development into a mature hip (Graf type 1 on ultrasonography and no acetabular dysplasia apparent on the latest radiograph).
Results:
Overall median age at the start of treatment was 18 weeks (14-25). Median total treatment time (from initial application of the splint to the end of weaning) was 17 weeks (14-20). Median duration of follow up was 13.5 months (8.5-31.5). Treatment was successful in 56/60 hips (93.3%). Of the 56 successfully treated patients, acetabular dysplasia was present early in follow up but later resolved in 4 patients. No complications were encountered in any patients in the study.
Conclusion:
The Tübingen splint provides abduction, but due to its different design it offers the advantages of preventing hip adduction and leaving the knee and ankle joints free. Our findings suggest that in infants with DDH, the Tübingen hip flexion splint is an effective form of treatment.
