The WINDY study- Weaning in INfant hip DYsplasia- a randomised multicentre feasibility study of weaning of brace treatment versus immediate cessation for developmental dysplasia of the hip (WINDY)

Research summary

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a condition where a baby’s hip joint does not develop properly. The hip may be slightly or completely out of place. Around 1 in 100 babies are affected. The most common treatment is a Pavlik harness, a soft brace that holds the hips in the correct position while they develop. There is currently no clear agreement on the best way to stop treatment with the harness. Some doctors recommend removing the brace all at once, while others advise reducing the time the baby wears it gradually, a process called "weaning." Different hospitals use different approaches, and there is limited evidence about which method is best. This study is a feasibility study designed to test whether a larger trial would be possible. Babies taking part will be fairly allocated to one of two groups: either immediate removal of the brace, or continuing to wear the brace at night only for four weeks before stopping completely. Parents will be asked to complete short questionnaires about the impact of the treatment on daily life. These will be completed when joining the study, and again at 2, 4, and 6 weeks, and can be done online from home. The aim of this feasibility study is to assess whether the study procedures work well and to inform the design of a future larger trial. The ultimate goal is to find the best approach to managing the end of brace treatment for babies with DDH, and to improve outcomes for affected children and families.

Principal Investigator

Lucy Llewellyn-Stanton

Contact us

Email: childrensresearch@ouh.nhs.uk

IRAS number

354869