Barlow and Ortolani Tests

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Description[edit | edit source]

Hip dysplasia schematic.jpg

The instability of the hip may be assessed by the Ortolani and Barlow tests, which play a big role in the clinical screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip [1]. Each hip should be examined separately [2].

Hip joint (highlighted in green) - anterolateral view

An infant with a positive examination result, defined as either a positive Ortolani or Barlow sign, should be referred to an orthopedist [3].

  • It has been recommended that the Barlow test should be done by gently adducting the hip while palpating for the head falling out the back of the acetabulum and that no posterior-directed force be applied.
  • The Barlow and Ortolani tests can be considered as a continuous smooth gentle maneuver. The examiner should not attempt to forcefully dislocate the femoral head [4]

image 1: Schematic depiction of hip joint structures' positions in hip dysplasia A - Normal, B - Dysplasia, C - Subluxation, D - Luxation

Image 2: Hip joint (highlighted in green) - anterolateral view[5]

Barlow Test[edit | edit source]

Barlow’s test identifies posterior sublimations or dislocation. It is named after Dr. Thomas Geoffrey Barlow, who devised this test[6].

The Barlow test is a provocative maneuver used to reveal hip instability. The test is performed by:

  • Standing at the end of the examination couch facing the baby.
  • One hand stabilizes the pelvis whilst the other grasps the knee and flexes the hip to 90 °.
  • The examiner’s fingers should lie over the greater trochanter with the thumb resting on the inner side of the thigh.
  • A posterior force is applied through the femur as the thigh is gently adducted by 10-20 ° [7].
  • Mild pressure is then placed on the knee while directing the force posteriorly.     
  • The Barlow Test is considered positive if the hip can be popped out of the socket with this maneuver. The dislocation will be palpable [8].     

The sensitivity of the Barlow maneuver with experienced hands (ranging from 87 to 97 percent) and specificity varies from 98 to 99 %.

Ortolani Test[edit | edit source]

The Ortolani Test was first described in 1936 by an Italian pediatrician Marino Ortolani [9].

The test is performed bu

Placing the baby in a supine position with flexed hips at 90 degrees.

  • The examiner's index and long fingers of the examiner are kept laterally on the greater trochanter of the child and position the thumb medially near the groin crease.
  • Stabilize the child’s pelvis by holding the contralateral hip and using the opposite hand to gently abduct the hip being tested whilst exerting an upward force simultaneously through the greater trochanter on the lateral side.
  • The perception of a palpable clunk indicates a positive Ortolani test and along with this also represents the reduction of a dislocated hip into the acetabulum [10].

Watch[edit | edit source]

The 5 minute videos show these tests.

[11]

[12]

In Infants, the Degree of Instability Can Be Described As:[edit | edit source]

  1. Dislocated and reducible (+ Ortolani)
  2. Dislocated and irreducible (- Ortolani)
  3. Dislocatable (+ Barlow)
  4. Subluxed (a hip with mild instability or laxity with a – Barlow maneuver)

Hip Dysplasia Presentations in the Infant 2 Months or Older[edit | edit source]

After 2-3 months of age, the Ortolani test and Barlow maneuvers are less sensitive but several other physical exam findings become more apparent:

  • Unilateral dysplasia presenting as asymmetric shortening on the side of the dislocation (Galeazzi sign)
  • The leg on the affected side may turn outward
  • Tight hip adductors/decreased hip abduction
  • Asymmetric thigh or gluteal folds
  • The space between the legs may look wider than normal[13]

Resources[edit | edit source]

This 7 minute video is a good summary of the hip joint.[14]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Lotito FM, Rabbaglietti G, Notarantonio M. The ultrasonographic image of the infant hip affected by developmental dysplasia with a positive Ortolani's sign. Pediatric radiology. 2002 Jun;32(6):418-22. 
  2. Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Available from: https://www.svphm.org.au/for-health-professionals/for-gps/specialist-articles/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip (Accessed, 5/4/2021)
  3. Witt C. Detecting developmental dysplasia of the hip. Advances in neonatal care: official journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses. 2003 Apr 1; 3(2):65-75. 
  4. Shaw BA, Segal LS. Evaluation and referral for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants. Pediatrics. 2016 Dec 1; 138(6). 
  5. Hip joint (highlighted in green) - anterolateral view image © Kenhub https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/hip-joint
  6. Barlow maneuver. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barlow_maneuver#cite_note-1 ( Accessed, 25/03/2021)
  7. Kumari P, Rani M. Developmental dysplasia of the hip. Ortho & Rheum Open Access. 2018;10:555794. 
  8. Barlow & Ortolani Signs—DDH, Congenital Hip Dislocation. Available from: http://nabilebraheim.blogspot.com/2017/11/barlow-ortolani-signsddh-congenital-hip.html (Accessed, 5/4/2021).
  9. Marino Ortolani. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marino_Ortolani (Accessed, 4/4/2021).
  10. Kumari P, Rani M. Developmental dysplasia of the hip. Ortho & Rheum Open Access. 2018;10:555794. 
  11. Dr. Anisuddin Bhatti. Ortolani's Click & Barlow's Maneuver. Available from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv_kLqZSGdo [last accessed 04/05/13]
  12. nabil ebraheim. Barlow & Ortolani test, Congenital Hip Dislocation- Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim. Available from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ-U-2v9X6U[last accessed 4/4/2021]
  13. Nationwise Childrens Presentation of DHD Available:https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/hip-dysplasia (accessed 13.10.2021)
  14. Hip joint video - © Kenhub https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/hip-joint