What does the Ortolani maneuver evaluate?

What does the Ortolani maneuver evaluate?

• A. Laxity
• B. Patellar luxation
• C. Hip abduction strength
• D. Femoral head shape

Answer: (A)

The Ortolani maneuver is used to assess hip laxity in newborns, specifically whether a dislocated hip is reducible. By flexing the hips to 90 degrees and gently abducting while applying anterior pressure, a palpable clunk indicates the femoral head relocating into the acetabulum, revealing instability of the hip joint. This makes laxity the best match. It’s not about the knee (patellar luxation), muscle strength of hip abduction, or the bony shape of the femoral head.

The Ortolani maneuver is used to assess hip laxity in newborns, specifically whether a dislocated hip is reducible. By flexing the hips to 90 degrees and gently abducting while applying anterior pressure, a palpable clunk indicates the femoral head relocating into the acetabulum, revealing instability of the hip joint. This makes laxity the best match. It’s not about the knee (patellar luxation), muscle strength of hip abduction, or the bony shape of the femoral head.