Which position or movement is used during the Ortolani maneuver to reduce a dislocated hip?

Which position or movement is used during the Ortolani maneuver to reduce a dislocated hip?

• A. Flexion with adduction
• B. Flexion with abduction
• C. Extension with adduction
• D. Extension with abduction

Answer: (B)

The Ortolani maneuver reduces a dislocated hip by guiding the femoral head back into the acetabulum using hip flexion and abduction. When the infant’s hip is flexed to about 90 degrees and the thigh is abducted while applying gentle anterior pressure on the greater trochanter, the femoral head is positioned to seat into the socket, often felt as a distinct clunk indicating relocation. This combination—flexion with abduction—opens the acetabular rim and moves the femoral head laterally into place. In contrast, adduction or extension do not promote this relocation and can keep the head displaced or pressed against the rim.

The Ortolani maneuver reduces a dislocated hip by guiding the femoral head back into the acetabulum using hip flexion and abduction. When the infant’s hip is flexed to about 90 degrees and the thigh is abducted while applying gentle anterior pressure on the greater trochanter, the femoral head is positioned to seat into the socket, often felt as a distinct clunk indicating relocation. This combination—flexion with abduction—opens the acetabular rim and moves the femoral head laterally into place. In contrast, adduction or extension do not promote this relocation and can keep the head displaced or pressed against the rim.