Assessing Caregiver Experiences Using Hip Spica Casts in Children Treated for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Sep 30, 2026

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Current evidence does not comprehensively document the burden experienced by patient families while managing hip spica casts for extended periods in children treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This study used an anonymous international online survey to capture caregiver perspectives on orthotic treatments, with hip spica cast responses analyzed as a distinct subset. Among 140 respondents, caregivers reported major concerns about activity restrictions, hygiene challenges, difficulties with bathing and keeping casts dry, and issues related to holding and bonding, alongside feelings of inadequate information. Findings support improved education and caregiver support.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Assessing Caregiver Experiences Using Hip Spica Casts in Children Treated for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Tarini Boparai, BSc,* † Sana Arora, BSc,* Luke Wu, MM,*‡ Emily Bliven, MEng,§ Georgia Grzybowski, MEng,§ Kishore Mulpuri, MBBS, MS, MHSc,*†‡ Emily K. Schaeffer, PhD,*† and Global Hip Dysplasia Registry Knowledge Translation Advisory Board Background: Current literature lacks comprehensive documentation on the burden placed on patient families managing spica casts for extended periods. Various complications associated with spica casts further intensify these challenges. To address this gap, our study aims to assess the lived experiences of families caring for children undergoing treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with a hipspica cast. Methods: A comprehensive survey was designed to gather caregiver perspectives on various orthotic treatments for DDH. The survey consisted of both Likert statements and open-ended questions to provide a holistic understanding of caregiver experiences. This anonymous survey was distributed online through REDCap to the Global Hip Dysplasia Registry (GHDR) network, reaching participants through mailing lists, social media groups, and clinic visits at the authors’ respective institutions. Targeting an international audience, the survey engaged parents and caregivers of pediatric patients treated with different orthoses, including harnesses, braces, and spica casts. The lived experiences of families managing hip spica casts were analyzed asa distinct subset of the broader data set. Results: A total of 140 respondents reported experience with aspica cast. Caregivers consistently reported concerns about restrictions on outings and daily activities while their child wore the spica cast. Hygiene issues, such as challenges with bathing and keeping the cast clean without getting it wet, were also prevalent. In addition, caregivers faced difﬁculties with cuddling Received for publication March 27, 2025; accepted August 15, 2025 . From the *BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute; §School of Biomedical Engineering; †Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia; and ‡Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada. The authors declare no conﬂicts of interest. Reprints: Emily K. Schaeffer, PhD, BC Children’s Hospital, 1D.18-4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6H 3V4 . E-mail: emily. [schaeffer@cw.bc.ca](schaeffer@cw.bc.ca). Copyright © 2025 The Author(s) . Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from the journal. DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000003114 J Pediatr Orthop 􀀁 Volume 46, Number 2, February 2026 and holding their children, although they emphasized that bonding remained intact. Many caregivers expressed feeling inadequately informed about spica casts, underscoring the need for improved education and support. Conclusions: While hip spica casts were acknowledged as an effective treatment for postsurgical DDH, caregivers expressed overall dissatisfaction due to challenges related to convenience, hygiene, bonding, and other daily caregiving difﬁculties. Level of Evidence/Clinical Relevance: Understanding the lived experiences of families caring for children undergoing treatment for DDH with a hip spica cast can illuminate challenges and inform strategies for improved patient care and support. The ﬁndings from this investigation provide valuable insights that will be instrumental in reﬁning the design of hip spica casts and enhancing education and support for caregivers, ultimately shaping future advancements in the treatment of DDH. Key Words: developmental dysplasia of the hip, developmen

FAQs

What gap in existing literature does the study address?

The study addresses the lack of comprehensive documentation describing the burden on patient families while managing hip spica casts over prolonged treatment periods.

How was the caregiver experience data collected?

An anonymous international survey was designed with Likert statements and open-ended questions and distributed online through REDCap via the Global Hip Dysplasia Registry network.

What concerns did caregivers most consistently report about hip spica casts?

Caregivers consistently reported restrictions on outings and daily activities, hygiene challenges such as bathing and keeping the cast clean and dry, and difficulties related to cuddling/holding the child while bonding remained intact.

What do the study findings suggest for improving care?

Caregivers expressed dissatisfaction linked to convenience, hygiene, bonding, and daily caregiving difficulties, indicating a need for improved caregiver education and support.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Ivy