Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis | Helping your baby’s hips mature properly

Benefits at a glance

Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis – moving safely, growing naturally

Tilda wears the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis as Dr Lorenz passes her to her mum

Proven treatment

The Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis has been successfully used to treat hip dysplasia for over 30 years. Its effectiveness has been scientifically proven.

Tilda wears the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis as she sleeps in her mum’s arms.

Suitable for everyday use

The Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis is designed in such a way that it can easily be worn anytime and anywhere – whether your baby is in an infant carrier, a child seat, or going swimming. It is completely washable and even resistant to salt water, making it a reliable device for your baby’s first day at the beach as well.

Tilda’s mother holds her as she wears the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis.

Natural posture

The position that your baby assumes when wearing the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis is familiar to them. This was previously their favored position in the womb. It usually ensures optimum development of the hip joints. If this doesn’t occur as it should, the orthosis corrects the problem after birth.

The Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis is applied.

Very easy to use

During the initial fitting of the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis, your doctor will explain exactly how the orthosis works to correct hip dysplasia and how to apply it. You only need to adjust the hook-and-loop closure and the white clips. After awhile, putting it on will feel as normal as changing a diaper.

Tilda wears the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis as she lies on the changing table.

Quick familiarization

It’s completely normal for babies to resist their new companion at first. They may cry more frequently in the first few days and appear fussy. After just a few days, your baby will get used to the orthosis. If they continue to resist it, talk to your doctor.

User Experience

We can do this

Tilda with the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis

Tilda has hip dysplasia and wears the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis. Her mother Steffi and physician Dr. Lorenz talk about their experiences with the orthosis.

Opens video: "Tilda lying down with the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis"

Functionality

Accelerated hip maturation via controlled abduction of the legs

What is hip dysplasia?

Some babies’ hip joints do not develop as they should if they are in an unfavorable position in the womb. This can mean that the bone development of the acetabulum is incomplete or that the socket itself is too shallow. As a result, the head of the thigh bone is not covered by the socket as it should be.

Hip dysplasia is usually diagnosed using sonography (an ultrasound examination). It is important to act quickly if this condition is diagnosed. The sooner the undeveloped joint is treated, the better the healing process will be. This is where the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis comes into play. When babies wear the orthosis, they assume a position that promotes the natural development process of the joints. The hip can develop, and the likelihood of long-term damage such as arthrosis in young adulthood is reduced.

Therapy for hip dysplasia

The Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis for treating hip dysplasia causes your baby’s hips to flex at more than 90° while both of the legs are spread (abducted) by 30 to 45°. Your doctor will use regular ultrasound exams (every six weeks or so) to monitor the healing process. These exams are used to measure the angle between the head and socket of the joint. The doctor will also check the position of the femoral head and the extent to which the socket is still deformed. Based on these exams, they can determine when and how often the orthosis needs to be readjusted. Once the hip measurements have reached the normal range (typically between the sixth and eighth week), the process of “weaning” your baby off the orthosis begins. In other words, your doctor gradually reduces the amount of time your baby wears the orthosis. At first, it is removed during the day and worn only at night. Your doctor will decide when you can stop using the orthosis entirely. Then the final checkup takes place, which usually involves taking an X-ray of the pelvis.

What is hip dysplasia?

Some babies’ hip joints do not develop as they should if they are in an unfavorable position in the womb. This can mean that the bone development of the acetabulum is incomplete or that the socket itself is too shallow. As a result, the head of the thigh bone is not covered by the socket as it should be.

Hip dysplasia is usually diagnosed using sonography (an ultrasound examination). It is important to act quickly if this condition is diagnosed. The sooner the undeveloped joint is treated, the better the healing process will be. This is where the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis comes into play. When babies wear the orthosis, they assume a position that promotes the natural development process of the joints. The hip can develop, and the likelihood of long-term damage such as arthrosis in young adulthood is reduced.

Consistency is key!

Parents, it’s worth being strict! Especially for your child’s sake. Because if you don’t apply the orthosis as your doctor has prescribed, this may result in one or both of the femoral heads becoming dislocated from the sockets. Immature hip joints that are not sufficiently treated can cause premature degeneration of the cartilage and subsequently arthrosis when your child is a young adult. This often requires hip surgery later on.” Dr Heiko Lorenz, Paediatric Orthopaedist, Göttingen University Hospital

More than one quarter of a million babies around the world have worn the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis since the late 1980s. The excellent treatment outcomes have been proven in numerous studies. Your baby’s hips will develop normally if you use the orthosis consistently. The more consistent you are now, the easier things will be for your baby.

Therapy for hip dysplasia

The Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis for treating hip dysplasia causes your baby’s hips to flex at more than 90° while both of the legs are spread (abducted) by 30 to 45°. Your doctor will use regular ultrasound exams (every six weeks or so) to monitor the healing process. These exams are used to measure the angle between the head and socket of the joint. The doctor will also check the position of the femoral head and the extent to which the socket is still deformed. Based on these exams, they can determine when and how often the orthosis needs to be readjusted. Once the hip measurements have reached the normal range (typically between the sixth and eighth week), the process of “weaning” your baby off the orthosis begins. In other words, your doctor gradually reduces the amount of time your baby wears the orthosis. At first, it is removed during the day and worn only at night. Your doctor will decide when you can stop using the orthosis entirely. Then the final checkup takes place, which usually involves taking an X-ray of the pelvis.

What is hip dysplasia?

Some babies’ hip joints do not develop as they should if they are in an unfavorable position in the womb. This can mean that the bone development of the acetabulum is incomplete or that the socket itself is too shallow. As a result, the head of the thigh bone is not covered by the socket as it should be.

Hip dysplasia is usually diagnosed using sonography (an ultrasound examination). It is important to act quickly if this condition is diagnosed. The sooner the undeveloped joint is treated, the better the healing process will be. This is where the Tubingen hip flexion and abduction orthosis comes into play. When babies wear the orthosis, they assume a position that promotes the natural development process of the joints. The hip can develop, and the likelihood of long-term damage such as arthrosis in young adulthood is reduced.

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