The hip joint is one of the large joints of the human body; it connects the pelvis with the thigh bone (femur), allows smooth movement between the two and plays a fundamental role in walking and running. For this reason, congenital or acquired malpositions, injuries or wear in the joint can significantly affect mobility. Depending on the diagnosis, a hip support or a hip orthosis may help correct a malposition, and may maintain or facilitate movement patterns.
What is a hip orthosis and a hip support?
A hip orthosis is a medical device worn outside the body. It is designed to stabilize, control or correct the affected area. Which type of orthosis is suitable is determined according to the diagnosis and symptoms, and fitting is carried out in line with the specialist physician's prescription and the orthotics specialist's assessment.
- Hip abduction orthoses: They have abduction pads that prevent certain movement patterns; they increase stability when walking, standing and sitting. If the necessary stability cannot be achieved, a hip-knee orthosis or a hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (HKAFO) may be needed.
- Hip supports: They are more flexible than orthoses and are made of highly or semi-elastic materials. Because they gently compress and restrict the joint, they have a stabilizing effect; they are usually used to relieve the load on the joint, in the treatment of an existing complaint or as a preventive measure.
When are they used?
Hip orthoses are primarily used to relieve acute pain or discomfort or to correct malpositions of the hip. The main areas of use are:
- Cerebral palsy (CP): In this condition, which affects the nervous and muscular systems, spastic contractions that cause the legs to cross ("scissor gait") may be seen. Abduction pads prevent the knees from crossing and provide stability when standing, sitting and walking.
- Wheelchair use: In people who use a wheelchair temporarily or permanently, integrated pads widen the seating area and may reduce the need for a separate abductor.
- Hip dysplasia: In babies with a malformation or developmental disorder of the acetabulum, this mostly results from insufficient space or an unfavorable position in the womb. This condition can be treated; a suitable orthosis helps align the joint in an appropriate position so that it can develop and mature properly. Hip flexion and abduction orthoses are used in babies for this purpose.
- After surgery: Hip supports may be used, for example, after surgery to replace the hip with a prosthetic hip joint.
How are they used?
The orthosis is adjusted to the person by the orthotics specialist, and information is given on how to put it on correctly. After a short period of getting used to it, putting it on and taking it off usually becomes easier. Some models offer ease of use with features such as an integrated zipper; flexible, breathable materials support comfort during long-term use.
The choice of a suitable orthosis or support varies according to diagnosis, age and clinical condition. For this reason, the type of device and duration of use should be determined in line with the relevant specialist physician's prescription and the orthotics specialist's assessment.
This content is for informational purposes; you should consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
