How is the Ortolani test performed?

The Ortolani test is a clinical maneuver specifically designed to assess for hip dysplasia, particularly in infants. This test helps in identifying a congenital dislocation of the hip.

The correct method for performing the Ortolani test involves flexing the hips and knees of the infant to a 90-degree angle while applying gentle pressure on the greater trochanters. The examiner then abducts the hips, which may reduce a dislocated hip back into its proper socket. A palpable "clunk" may be felt if the hip joint is dislocated and then reduced, indicating the presence of hip dysplasia.

Other methods listed do not align with the Ortolani test's intended diagnostic approach. For instance, adducting the hip while applying posterior pressure pertains more closely to the Barlow test, which is aimed at eliciting a dislocation rather than confirming it. The upward pull on the leg with the knee extended could be an attempt to assess the hip joint but is not characteristic of the Ortolani test. Lastly, rotating the hips while the infant is prone does not replicate the key components of the Ortolani test, which focuses specifically on the flexed hips and knee position.