Problems of seating and mobility encountered by children with developmental dysplasia of the hip

The parents of 11 children who were either undergoing or had undergone treatment for 'late-diagnosed' developmental dysplasia of the hip were surveyed by questionnaire to discover the problems associated with activities of daily living. Within this survey, special emphasis was placed on the problems of seating and mobility. The results of the analysis show that there was a deficiency in the equipment available to cope with children in splintage and plaster; there was a need for products to help in seating, particularly with regard to enhancing mobility. This pilot study confirmed the need for focused research to provide such products and a definitive study has now been undertaken.