Barlow & Ortolani Signs—DDH, Congenital Hip Dislocation

In order to remember these tests, remember that “B” comes before “O” in the alphabet and will go in this order for these procedures as well. The “B” stands for Barlow and “O” for Ortolani. When reading the word “barlow” think: “We are going out tonight!”, because the hip can be popped out of the acetabulum with this maneuver. To remember Ortolani, think: “Once we have been out, now it is time to go home!”—during the Ortolani maneuver, the femoral head is reduced back into the acetabulum.

The Barlow maneuver identifies the unstable hip that is in a reduced position that the clinician can passively dislocate. When performing the Barlow Test, the examiner will flex the hip and knees to 90 degrees. The maneuver is performed by bringing the thigh towards the midline (adducting the hip). Mild pressure is then placed on the knee while directing the force posteriorly. The femoral head will be pushed out of the socket. The Barlow Test is considered positive if the hip can be popped out of socket with this maneuver. The dislocation will be palpable.

The Ortolani Test is used to confirm the findings of the Barlow test. The Ortolani maneuver is performed following the Barlow test to determine if the hip is actually dislocated. The Ortolani test is performed by the examiner flexing the hips and knees to 90 degrees. Reduction is done by abduction of the hip and pushing the thigh anteriorly. The test is positive is a palpable and audible clunk is heard from the hip being reduced. A hip click is a nonspecific finding.

In summary, The Barlow Test is performed when the hip is reduced and is used to dislocate the hip. The Ortolani Test is performed only after the Barlow Test has been performed and the hip has been dislocated. The Ortolani Test will reduce the hip.

Both of these tests are used for screening newborns during the neonatal period. The hips are examined one at a time and usually the hips are flexed during these maneuvers. Early diagnosis by these tests and preferably with ultrasound is essential to detect hip instability and dislocation in the neonatal period.

Treatment is directed at stabilizing the hip that has positive Barlow and Ortolani Signs. The first born female with a breach presentation and a positive family history are at risk of developing developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). If the hip remains dislocated for weeks, these two tests are usually not reliable. Barlow and Ortolani are not positive after 3 months due to the soft tissue contracture around the hip region. Limitation of abduction becomes the most consistent clinical findings. Children older than 12 months will have other findings which include asymmetry of hip abduction, a positive Trendelenburg gait and a positive Galeazzi sign.