Update date: 09/17/2020 15:35:58 1289 Share:

Author: Maria Feldshtein

According to statistics, every eighth baby is diagnosed with congenital inferiority of the hip joints, caused by their improper development. This pathology is called “hip dysplasia” or DHS. Other similar violations also occur. If DTS is not treated, very unpleasant consequences can occur, for example, the baby may have a difference in the length of his legs. In modern orthopedics, several devices (aids, orthoses) are used to treat such disorders, the most popular being the Freik pillow and Pavlik stirrups.

What is Frejka's pillow for?

The Freik pillow is a special orthopedic invention of the Austrian doctor Freik.

A soft orthopedic product fixes and holds children's legs bent at the knees in an extended position, ensuring the correct formation of the joints.

It is intended for the treatment of hip dysplasia in children at an early age. The feather bed allows you to keep your baby's legs spread apart, in a frog position.

Using a pillow for several months eliminates preluxation and subluxation and prevents the occurrence of complications associated with dysplasia.

Wearing the structure for a long time contributes to the correct formation and normal insertion of the femoral head into the pelvic bone. As a rule, it is prescribed when the situation is not so critical, but it is still better to treat dysplasia. Indications for wearing are:

• preluxation and subluxation of the hip;
• mild dysplasia.

To treat dysplastic changes in the joints, special devices are used for permanent wear.

Thus, only a doctor can prescribe treatment using a pillow.

Freyka pillow – features of the orthosis, pros and cons

The Freika pillow is a simple but extremely effective orthopedic device that is used for reliable fixation of the hip joint in infants of the first year of life. The main purpose of the product is the treatment of mild hip dysplasia. The Freik bandage fixes the child’s hip joints in two positions simultaneously – abduction and flexion. Thanks to this, the head of the joint falls into place - into the acetabulum, gradually gets used to this position, and the violation can be eliminated. The splint invented by Freik is prescribed by orthopedists not only for mild dysplasia, but also in the case of diagnosing subluxation or pre-luxation of the femoral head. Not so long ago, this medical product was also prescribed for dislocation of the head, but this method of treatment did not justify itself. But in the case of mild dysplasia and other listed disorders, Freik’s invention allows us to cope with the problem.

Initially, the orthosis, developed by the Australian orthopedic doctor Frake, was a real pillow filled with goose down, which was fixed under the butt and between the baby’s legs. But over time, it became clear that the product did not have enough rigidity to work effectively. For this reason, the device was slightly modified by adding a plastic tire of a certain size (in some models the width is adjustable). The orthosis is equipped with straps that help the bandage to stay in the right place and not slip. The product, put on the baby, looks like a large diaper with harnesses, spreading the legs so that the child seems to be sitting on a split, with the legs bent at the knees. The baby takes a similar position when an adult sits him on the side of his thigh, only the baby’s legs in the bandage are spread more widely.

In modern orthopedics, new models of the Freika pillow have appeared that meet the needs of growing children. With age, the distance between the popliteal fossae (in the abduction position in the hip joints) increases. Previously, as the baby grew, it was necessary to buy a new pillow with a wider tire. Now there is no need for this. You can buy one model (for example, from), and then buy additional larger plastic inserts, which can significantly save money on treatment.

How the Frejka pillow is used:

1. Parents consult with an orthopedist, he prescribes wearing a special orthosis. The Freyka pillow is recommended for babies aged from 1 to 9 months, less often up to a year, and even less often up to two.
2. The required size of a rigid plastic orthosis splint is selected, which is placed in a fabric frame with straps. The width of the bandage depends on the distance between the popliteal fossae when the legs are moved to the sides and simultaneously bent at an angle of 90 degrees.
3. The child is put on a clean diaper and clean cotton rompers or panties on top. Some experts argue that you cannot wear a diaper under the bandage, otherwise the treatment will not be correct; on this issue, it is better to additionally consult with an orthopedist.
4. The baby's bottom is placed in the middle of the splint, the legs and feet are located on both sides of the pillow with fabric edges that prevent chafing of the skin.
5. The device is secured to the child’s body using side straps and suspender straps, which can be crossed and adjusted in length for the child’s comfort and the immobility of the orthosis.

It is recommended to wear the Freika pillow 12-24 hours a day. The structure is removed only for the time of changing a diaper, bathing, massage and other physiotherapeutic activities. The child gets used to the orthosis within 1-2 weeks; during this period he may be capricious and whiny, this is normal. The duration of treatment is determined by an orthopedic surgeon. As a rule, an ultrasound of the hip joints is performed a few months after starting to wear the Frejk pillow. Based on the results of the study, the specialist determines the advisability of continuing therapy.

Contraindications for using the Frejka pillow:

1. The need to use individual joint orthoses.
2. Malignant neoplasms in the area of ​​application of the bandage.
3. Contact dermatitis and other severe skin lesions in the area where the splint comes into contact with the body.
4. An allergic reaction to the materials from which the Frejka pillow is made.
5. Dislocation of the femoral head.
6. Irreversible dislocation of the femoral head.

Pros:

1. Freika's orthopedic orthosis is relatively inexpensive - an average of 1000 rubles.
2. The model is effective in the treatment of mild DTS and some other orthopedic disorders.
3. The bandage can be used for preventive purposes, to strengthen the ligaments and muscles of the hip joint.
4. The featherbed causes moderate discomfort to the baby, adaptation occurs quickly and relatively easily.
5. Simple design, easy to use.
6. The orthosis is easy to care for; the cover is removable and washable.

Minuses:

1. The product should not be used for severe dysplasia.

How to put on a Freyka pillow?

The first fitting should take place in the attending doctor's office. He will be able to explain and draw attention to the most important points on how to properly put on a Freika pillow. However, if this is not possible, then parents will be able to properly put the feather bed on their child on their own, having studied the nuances in advance:

• the tire is laid out on a flat surface and fully expanded;
• place the child on top so that the middle of the bolster coincides with the middle of the hip joint;

If you delay treatment or provide incorrect assistance, the disease will progress.

• the child’s legs are bent at the knees and carefully spread to the sides to the required state;
• securely fix the tire.

With proper therapy, complete recovery occurs within a few months.

Important! When fixing all the straps, make sure that they do not put pressure on your baby’s delicate skin.

If you notice significant discomfort or pain in your baby, you should immediately consult a doctor for advice.

General information about the Freyka pillow

Diagnoses

Parents of a newborn child are increasingly faced with a diagnosis of hip dysplasia.

The pathology is abnormal or defective joint development, which affects every 20th newborn in Russia. The hip joint is connected by ligaments. But when there is a stretch, it leads to hip prolapse.

In general, pathology can be in the form of:

1. 
   Pre-luxation, when the head is in the acetabulum, but has moved away.

2. Subluxation, when the head has partially fallen out of the socket.
3. Dislocation when the head is completely outside the socket.

The first signs of illness that parents may notice:

• one leg is longer than the other;
• asymmetrical folds on the buttocks;
• if you bend your legs at the knees, they do not move to the side all the way;
• When the legs bend, sounds are heard, such as a click.

If you delay treatment or provide incorrect assistance, the disease progresses. Joint pain, lameness appears, and arthrosis develops. With proper therapy, complete recovery occurs within a few months.

When is the Frejka pillow contraindicated?

The bandage cannot be used for:

• skin diseases;
• self-medication;
• dislocation of the hip due to the uselessness of wearing the Freik pillow, since the legs cannot be spread to the required width.

The purpose of the Frejka pillow

The pillow is similar to a regular one only in name. Essentially, this is a splint, which is an orthopedic device that can fix the legs of a newborn in the correct position. In this case, the limbs are spread apart and bent at the knees.

Wearing a Freik pillow is permissible only as prescribed by a doctor and if there are diagnoses of hip dysplasia, subluxation and pre-luxation of the hip.

Indications for wearing this design are determined by the doctor after examination and diagnostic measures. It is advisable to use it for dysplasia of one or both hip joints.

To solve the problem of dislocation, the Freik pillow is useless as a stand-alone option, since it cannot provide proper fixation and degree of abduction of the hips. Under such conditions, it is impossible to correctly position the head in the acetabulum. However, when combined with therapeutic measures, the use of such a bandage is advisable.

Operating principle

The goal of treating dysplasia is to properly fix the legs so that the hip joint fits into the acetabulum and takes the desired position. This can be achieved by bending and spreading your legs to the sides.

The design is a kind of spacers made of rigid polyurethane covered with cotton fabric.

The Freik pillow helps create conditions for proper fixation of the limbs for a long time and the formation of the acetabulum.

How to determine the size of a Freika pillow?

The success of treatment directly depends on the correctly selected orthosis. When determining the size, parents should rely on 2 categories at once:

• age;
• knee width.

The design is prescribed to children aged 1 to 9 months.

Category 1 involves division into 3 age groups, where size XS is the Freika pillow for newborns and up to 6 months. S is designed for children from 6 months to one and a half years, and M for children from one to two years.

Basically there are two dimensions - according to the age of the child and the distance between the maximum separated knees.

If your child is slightly ahead of his peers in height, then it is better to choose an orthosis based on individual sizes. Please note that this device is not purchased for growth. Adjustment according to height is carried out thanks to adjustable straps.

Instructions for use

An orthopedic product for the treatment of dysplasia has a size chart that must be adhered to. When choosing, they are guided by the height, size or age of the child.

Important! The Freyka pillow is used only as prescribed by a doctor! Otherwise, you can harm the child, since if there is a dislocation or subluxation of the hip, the use of a bandage will lead to ossification of the joints.

The doctor must calculate the time to wear the device. Parents are required to follow clear instructions so that the child makes a full recovery.

The design is prescribed to children aged 1 to 9 months. But in case of serious pathologies, it can be installed in the maternity hospital after examination by specialists. In most cases, such children are still recommended to have a surgical solution to the problem or treatment with plaster splints.

Then the baby is under the supervision of a pediatrician until he reaches the age of 1 month. Afterwards, the orthopedic doctor takes control of the situation. Ultrasound and x-rays are prescribed if necessary.

It is believed that by the age of six months, irreversible changes can already begin to form, so the earlier treatment is started, the better. The therapy is complex and includes massage, electrophoresis with calcium, sometimes ozokerite and the Freik device.

To properly put on a pillow, you must follow the following rules:

1. The child should be placed with his pelvis on the structure, with his legs spread apart.
2. In this position, secure the pillow on the sides.
3. Adjust all straps and fasten with a buckle.

Correct size selection

Freyka pillows are produced by domestic and foreign companies. Basically there are two dimensions - according to the age of the child and the distance between the maximum separated knees.

The second option is more correct, since this is the position that is necessary for the treatment of pathologies and will be required to fix the legs in the “frog” position.

Age-oriented dimensions are more concerned with average statistical data. Thus, the smallest size XS is suitable for newborns, XS for infants up to 6 months, and S for up to 12 months. Older children should buy a bandage in size M.

Important! It is necessary to accurately select the size of the Freika pillow.

If you focus not on age, but on size, then No. 1 corresponds to 14-17 cm, No. 2 - from 17 to 19, No. 3 - from 19 to 22 cm and No. 4 from 22 to 25 cm. The pillow changes as the child grows .

The first time to teach how to correctly calculate the distance between the baby’s knees should be an orthopedic doctor.

If the bandage is incorrectly selected, the effect of the treatment may not occur. If the pillow is smaller, then the hip extension will not be sufficient. If it is too large, the child will be uncomfortable and in pain. He will become whiny and capricious.

Nuances that must be taken into account

To avoid mistakes, follow these recommendations:

• At the beginning of treatment, it is not necessary to immediately spread the child’s legs 90 degrees. Give it a little time, like a week, to get used to it. Don't force yourself to spread your baby's legs. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.
• For the first time, it is better to put the structure on after a hot bath and take it off before going to bed.
• Never put a pillow over a diaper, preferably over cotton underwear to avoid sweating and friction.
• The child must remain in the Freik device all day. You can only take it off to change a diaper, for gymnastics, massage, and bathing.

Important! Immediately report any changes to your doctor.

Be prepared for the whims of the little man, because he does not understand why he should feel discomfort. Experts recommend reducing the degree of hip separation during hysterics and seeing how the child reacts.

Freika's pillow often causes fatigue and sleepless nights. To create the most comfortable sleeping conditions, you can bathe your child in a warm bath with string, chamomile, or use lavender.

The splint is worn until complete healing, approximately 1-3 months. But sometimes a doctor may recommend its use for a longer period of up to 1.5 years. The ultrasound result will tell you how effective the treatment was.

Sleeping, feeding and sitting

It is difficult not only for kids to get used to such a design, but also for parents. However, the following recommendations will help cope with some problems:

1. 
   Place your baby to sleep on his back. If the baby was able to turn over, then you can put a folded blanket on top.

2. Feeding can be done from several positions - on the side, with the baby lying on his back and turning his head to the chest; on all fours, the child lies on the pillow with his back. You can experiment and find a comfortable position.
3. The baby can sit in Freyka's pillow if age allows - 6 months.

How does a child behave in Freika's pillow?

It is impossible to explain to children the need for treatment, so be prepared that being in a splint for the first time may cause anxiety to the child, since the new position is completely unusual for him. Literally after a couple of days, wearing this device stops bothering the child.

If a child is diagnosed with serious joint instability, doctors recommend wearing the device around the clock.

Some parents noted that the child did not express any dissatisfaction with the orthosis at all. It all depends on the character of the child. But still, you should not completely ignore the tears - make sure once again that you are wearing the device correctly.

Within a month of life, children get used to moving their legs and arms freely, so after putting on the bandage for the first time, they begin to be capricious.

Parents are worried about the uncontrollable crying of the child, believing that the Freika pillow brings significant discomfort. However, the child cries because of a new and unusual position. The child’s anxiety just needs to be overcome.

If a child cries and cannot be distracted with a toy or a walk, you need to check whether his knees are too far apart.

Important! If the wearing regime is violated, treatment may be protracted or completely ineffective, which in the future will lead to more serious problems and complex treatment.

The effectiveness of treatment is achieved only with constant wearing of the splint. The recommended time is at least 18 hours a day. Please note that discomfort may be caused by heat, so it is better to wear light cotton pants while wearing the structure.

The child will quickly get used to the foreign object, and recovery will come much faster.

Important! It is not recommended to wear a feather bed on a naked body.

How much does a Freika pillow cost?

In stores, the cost of an orthosis varies from 1000 to 1500 rubles.

Freyka pillows vary in the materials used in their production.

In many ways, the price may depend on the quality of the materials used in production. You need to pay close attention to them to avoid unwanted allergic reactions.

Orthopedic devices are produced by many domestic and foreign manufacturers.

Which is better – Pavlik stirrups or Freik’s pillow?

Pavlik stirrups, like the Freik pillow, were invented to treat identified disorders in the development of the hip joint.

There are those who prefer to treat with stirrups, and there are those who are sure that the Freika pillow is more effective.

The splint cushion helps maintain the legs in a bent state, but with the knees apart. Despite the fairly clear fixation of the legs, the lower part of the limbs is free and the baby can move and twitch them slightly.

How to make it yourself?

You can buy a splint-pillow in almost any orthopedic salon, however, if you do not have such an opportunity, you can sew a Freika pillow with your own hands. To do this, it is necessary to take measurements from the middle of the chest to the crotch, as well as the length from the dimple of the left knee to the dimple of the right knee through the crotch.

To create a roller, flannel is used, which is twisted in several layers, and belts and clamps are purchased in stores.

When drawing up a pattern, draw a rectangle whose length is twice the length from the chest to the crotch, and the width is the actual distance between the knees.

A self-made bandage does not provide a sufficient degree of fixation of the hip joints.

It is necessary to transfer the drawing onto fabric in two copies. Fasten the elements, and 10 layers of beading must be placed inside. The structure must be sewn not only around the perimeter, but also stitched across, thereby imparting rigidity to the linen fabric. Sew straps along the back of the pillow and buttons on the chest.

The only advantage of such models is the individually selected fastening system.

Important! A homemade pillow cannot replace a splint from an orthopedic salon. The benefits of a homemade orthosis are very doubtful. So a homemade bandage can only be used for a limited time.

While wearing the pillow, you must periodically visit an orthopedic doctor who will conduct ultrasound diagnostics to ensure the effectiveness of the chosen treatment method. Do not neglect his recommendations.

The first time to teach how to correctly calculate the distance between the baby’s knees should be an orthopedic doctor.

Additionally, parents can enroll their child in a course of therapeutic infant massage. Additional professional influence not only helps speed up treatment, but also develops the baby’s muscles. Don't worry - in terms of activity and development, children wearing a Freika pillow are not at all behind their peers.

The baby can sit in Freyka's pillow if age allows - 6 months.

A timely diagnosed deviation, timely prescribed treatment, as well as compliance with all doctor’s recommendations by parents give almost 100 percent results. It must be remembered that the positive attitude of mom and dad will give strength and patience to the little one to go through a difficult and incomprehensible path.

DIY Freyka pillow

This design is very easy to make at home. You will need soft cotton fabric and a pattern, a photo of which can be easily found on the Internet. To give rigidity to the structure, you need to fold the lining in several layers, for example, eight if the fabric is flannel.

Sew the straps to the pillow, and buttons to them instead of Velcro. It is good if the edges of the structure are soft, since these places are in contact with the back and stomach. That's all!

Important! When sewing, it is necessary to take correct measurements. You will need the length from the nipple line to the center of the perineum and the distance from one popliteal part to the other through the perineum.

The disadvantage is that this design does not have sufficient rigidity of fixation.