Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
They cannot sit properly or move around: seating and mobility during treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip
1Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland, UK.
Insights
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) splintage causes family mobility and emotional challenges. Addressing splintage design issues can significantly improve daily life for affected families.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric care
- Family medicine
Background:
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) affects 0.2% of live births.
- Current treatment involves splintage to stabilize the hip joint.
- Splintage, while effective, presents significant challenges for families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and prioritize the difficulties faced by families with children undergoing DDH splintage.
- To understand the root causes of these family-centered challenges.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted with 113 families in England and Northern Ireland who recently had a child diagnosed with DDH.
- Parents were asked to identify and rank the problems associated with their child's splintage treatment.
Main Results:
- Families reported significant mobility, emotional, and social difficulties.
- The size and shape of the splintage were identified as the primary source of these problems.
- Addressing splintage design issues is crucial for alleviating family frustration.
Conclusions:
- The design of DDH splintage directly impacts family well-being and daily functioning.
- Improvements in splintage design, particularly for transport and seating, are needed.
- Alleviating these practical challenges can enhance the quality of life for affected families.
Abstract:
Children diagnosed with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (0.2% of live births) are often treated by splintage to hold the head of the femur in the acetabulum during early joint development. Whilst clinically effective, this can create difficulties for the parents in handling the child and affects the mobility of the family, which subsequently creates emotional and social difficulty resulting from the disruption of the family routine. To identify these problems and their order of priority, a survey of 113 recently affected families was carried out in England and Northern Ireland. Parents identified mobility, emotional and social problems. Splintage size and shape was the fundamental problem from which the other difficulties arose. Solutions to the basic difficulties of transporting and seating a child in splintage would largely alleviate the feelings of frustration felt by the families and enable more normal activities of daily living.
