There is no consensus regarding the optimum frequency of ultrasound for monitoring the response to Pavlik harness (PH) treatment in developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH). The purpose of our study was to determine if a limited-frequency hip ultrasound (USS) assessment in children undergoing PH treatment for DDH had an adverse effect on treatment outcomes when compared to traditional comprehensive ultrasound monitoring.

This study was a single-center non-inferiority randomized controlled trial. Children aged less than six months of age with dislocated, dislocatable and stable dysplastic hips undergoing a standardized treatment program with a PH were randomized, once stability had been achieved, to our current standard USS monitoring protocol (every clinic visit) or to a limited-frequency ultrasound protocol (USS only until hip stability and then end of treatment). Groups were compared based on alpha angle at the end of treatment, acetabular indices (AI) and IHDI grade on follow up radiographs at one-year post harness and complication rates. The premise was that if there were no differences in these outcomes, either protocol could be deemed safe and effective.

One hundred patients were recruited to the study; after exclusions, 42 patients completed the standard protocol (SP) and 36 completed the limited protocol (LP). There was no significant difference between the mean age between both groups at follow up x-ray (SP: 17.8 months; LP: 16.6 months; p=0.26). There was no difference between the groups in mean alpha angle at the end of treatment (SP: 69°; LP: 68.1°: p=0.25). There was no significant difference in the mean right AI at follow up (SP: 23.1°; LP: 22.0°; p=0.26), nor on the left (SP:23.3°; LP 22.8°; p=0.59). All hips in both groups were IHDI grade 1 at follow up. The only complication was one femoral nerve palsy in the SP group. In addition, the LP group underwent a 60% reduction in USS use once stable.

We found that once dysplastic or dislocated hips were reduced and stable on USS, a limited- frequency ultrasound protocol was not associated with an inferior complication or radiographic outcome profile compared to a standardized PH treatment pathway. Our study supports reducing the frequency of ultrasound assessment during PH treatment of hip dysplasia. Minimizing the need for expensive, time-consuming and in-person health care interventions is critical to reducing health care costs, improving patient experience and assists the move to remote care. Removing the need for USS assessment at every PH check will expand care to centers where USS is not routinely available and will facilitate the establishment of virtual care clinics where clinical examination may be performed remotely.

The primary goal of this study was to understand the subjective impact of a diagnosis of Simple Bone Cyst on children with regards to activity participation and psychosocial development. We aimed to explore the concepts of labeling, embodiment and activity participation to understand the impact of SBC.

This was a qualitative study. Ten children between the ages of 4 and 17 years with SBC and their families participated in semi-structured interviews related to activity participation, social interactions and psychological impact of SBC. Interview questions were derived from psychology, sociology and philosophy literatures pertaining to illness and activity, sense of embodiment, self-concept and interactions with the social environment. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.

First, children and families view SBC as an injury more than an illness and did not experience labeling or significant changes in embodiment. Second, SBCs cause anxiety in children related fear of fracture or pain, however normal function and activity participation were maintained. Third, there were significant shortcomings identified in the communication and the decision-making process between families and physicians regarding SBC management.

SBC as a benign disease does not neatly fit into the category of illness or injury based on children's experiences. Children who previously perceived themselves as normal feel different and not normal following diagnosis with SBC. The experience of parents is largely one of anxiety, and much of that anxiety is derived from the uncertainty over the treatment plans for their child.

The proposed framework of normality allows for the more temporary and fluid changes in perception experienced by the children in our study. The results of this study suggest that the current decision-making process in SBC is unsatisfactory leading to anxiety and worry. Parents felt pressure to make decisions regarding surgery without feeling that they sufficient information. Though understanding how children experience SBCs and how parents experience the treatment course of their child with SBC, we can shared decision-making as a potential way to reduce parents' anxiety and limit negative experience in children.