In infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip, which finding is considered diagnostic?

In infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip, which finding is considered diagnostic?

• A. A palpable clunk is considered diagnostic.
• B. They usually have other orthopedic ailments.
• C. Most have some congenital orthopedic anomaly.
• D. There is often pain in the hip when the diaper is changed.

Answer: (A)

In infants, a diagnostic sign for developmental dysplasia of the hip is a palpable clunk that occurs when the hip is gently abducted and brought into place. This is the Ortolani sign: a dislocated femoral head relocates into the acetabulum, producing a distinct “clunk.” That relocation confirms the presence of DDH in a newborn, since the hip was unstable and becomes reduced with the maneuver. Other statements aren’t diagnostic in this setting—many infants with DDH have no other orthopedic issues, there isn’t a universal congenital anomaly, and hip pain with diaper changes is neither typical nor reliable in early infancy.

In infants, a diagnostic sign for developmental dysplasia of the hip is a palpable clunk that occurs when the hip is gently abducted and brought into place. This is the Ortolani sign: a dislocated femoral head relocates into the acetabulum, producing a distinct “clunk.” That relocation confirms the presence of DDH in a newborn, since the hip was unstable and becomes reduced with the maneuver. Other statements aren’t diagnostic in this setting—many infants with DDH have no other orthopedic issues, there isn’t a universal congenital anomaly, and hip pain with diaper changes is neither typical nor reliable in early infancy.