Ortolanis Sign

Other Names

• Ortolani's Sign
• Ortolani's Test
• Ortolani's Maneuver

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Purpose

• Evaluate the hip of a newborn or toddler for the presence of DDH

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Description

Illustration of the barlow and ortolani tests

• The child is supine, in the most relaxed position possible
• Hips and knees flexed to 90°
• Examiner places thumbs on the inner side of the baby's knee
• Index finger over the greater trochanter
• The hips are abducted through 90 degrees of motion smoothly and gently
• Positive test
  • Palpable sensation of the femoral head slipping into the acetabulum
  • May also hear an audible clunk
  • Restriction in abduction may indicate an irreducible dislocation

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Pathology

• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

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Evidence

• Unknown

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See Also

• Physical Exam Hip
• Hip Pain (Main)

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