FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What does Ortolani's test assess for?

1. Osteoarthritis

2. Developmental hip dysplasia

3. Carpal tunnel syndrome

4. Increased intracranial pressure

The correct answer is: Developmental hip dysplasia

Ortolani's test is a specific maneuver used to evaluate for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infants. This test is conducted to identify any hip joint dislocation that may not be readily apparent upon visual inspection. During the procedure, the clinician gently abducts the infant's hip while applying a forward pressure on the greater trochanter. A positive Ortolani maneuver is indicated by a "clunk" or a sensation of the femoral head relocating into the acetabulum, confirming that the hip is dislocated but reducible. The importance of this test lies in its ability to facilitate early detection and management of hip dysplasia, which, if left untreated, can lead to significant long-term complications, including hip osteoarthritis and impaired mobility. In contrast, the other options do not pertain to the assessment of hip dysplasia; they relate to different conditions and body systems. Thus, the focus of Ortolani's test on hip joint stability makes it uniquely associated with developmental hip dysplasia.