The impact of brace treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip on caregivers and families a thematic analysis of literature review and stakeholder survey

Craven, J, O'Malley, O, Theunissen, W and Perry, DC ORCID: 0000-0001-8420-8252 (2025) The impact of brace treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip on caregivers and families a thematic analysis of literature review and stakeholder survey BONE & JOINT OPEN, 6 (8). pp. 851-858. ISSN 2633-1462, 2633-1462

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Abstract

Aims To identify the effect on the family and/or caregivers when infants undergo brace treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) by integrating findings from a literature review and stakeholder survey. Methods Thematic analysis combining a comprehensive literature review and data from a UK-based online survey with international involvement. Identification of key themes related to the effect of brace treatment for DDH on the family/ caregivers. Results The literature review identified eight relevant articles for inclusion. The online survey had 131 participants. During the thematic analysis, ten key themes emerged, highlighting substantial emotional distress among parents, issues with information provision and consistency, and practical challenges related to clothing, feeding, and sleep. Additional concerns included cleanliness, equipment, child development concerns, infant discomfort, bonding, financial impact, and disruption to daily life. Conclusion Brace treatment for DDH has a significant impact on various aspects of family life. Identifying the specific areas of family life affected by brace treatment enables recognition of key challenges, informing the development of robust support systems, clear communication strategies, and customized informational resources. While bracing remains the cornerstone of DDH management in infants, with proven effectiveness in achieving positive clinical outcomes, substantial uncertainties persist regarding critical aspects of treatment, including determining the severity of dysplasia that warrants brace treatment, the optimal duration of treatment, and the most effective approach to brace removal. Resolving these uncertainties requires well-designed randomized controlled trials to establish clear, evidence-based guidelines. Further-more, evaluations of brace treatments should explicitly incorporate family-centred outcomes. Developing a core outcome set focused on family-relevant measures would significantly enhance the design, comparability, and quality of future DDH research.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 3202 Clinical Sciences, Clinical Research, Behavioral and Social Science, Pediatric Research Initiative, Caregiving Research
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences (T&R staff) Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences > Women's & Children's Health
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	09 Feb 2026 10:16
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 05:15
DOI:	10.1302/2633-1462.68.BJO-2025-0063.R1
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3196878
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