Hips without pain

The lack of immobilization in a cast means earlier mobilization of the child, which directly translates into a faster start of improvement exercises, learning to walk or uprighting.

Early exercises promote proper healing of the operated joints, improve blood circulation and prevent contractures.

The use of plaster dressings (especially extensive ones) is associated with the risk of sores or skin abrasions in the areas where the plaster adheres.

The risk of blood supply disorders and nerve compression, which can sometimes cause numbness, pain or swelling, is also reduced.

Many weeks of immobilization in a cast leads to muscle atrophy (weakening and reduced muscle mass).

The absence or reduction of a cast, combined with immediate rehabilitation, allows the muscles to work actively and maintain strength, which in the long run can have a positive effect on gait pattern and function.

Long-term immobilization often leads to contractures, especially in children with MPD, who already have an increased risk of spasticity.

Early mobilization and rehabilitation help maintain or even improve the range of motion in the hip joints, which is crucial for further motor development.

Children in a cast often experience discomfort, pain, limitations in daily activities (dressing, changing, hygiene, playing).

Reduced immobilization makes it easier for parents to care and allows the child to be more independent and comfortable (for example, the ability to change positions without additional assistance).

Maintaining the cleanliness of the hip, perineal and buttock areas is sometimes made much more difficult with a cast covering the hips.

The absence of a plaster dressing makes daily toileting easier and reduces the risk of skin infections or irritation.

Prolonged immobilization increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and possible embolism (although rare in children, it is still possible).

Earlier activation and exercise promote proper blood flow, reducing the potential risk of these complications.

The absence of a massive dressing allows the doctor to assess the condition of the surgical wound, healing and possible swelling more accurately and frequently.

Facilitates access for physical examination and follow-up imaging studies (X-ray, ultrasound) to assess proper alignment of the femoral head in the acetabulum.

Instead of a cast, orthoses are often used, which can be removed for exercise or daily care, and then put back on as needed.

The ability to adjust hip flexion angles (such as in dynamic orthoses) allows better adjustment of the limb's positioning to the current phase of rehabilitation.

A child in a cast is more likely to experience delays in acquiring further motor skills (crawling, crawling, walking).

Early initiation of rehabilitation promotes the child's activation of movement, which translates into the development of coordination, balance and strengthening of muscle-nerve bonds.

The longer a child maintains a normal or near-normal movement pattern in the post-operative period, the lower the risk of perpetuating unfavorable movement habits.

It is also easier to continue rehabilitation and introduce advanced exercises (e.g. learning to walk with the help of a walker, crutches or a verticalizer) when there are no barriers caused by the cast.

Limited muscle activity and lack of joint movement can in some cases accelerate deformity processes (especially in children with MPD, where there is increased muscle tension).

Immediate implementation of rehabilitation helps keep joints in favorable positions, preventing secondary contractures or tendencies to dislocation.