How does a nurse assess for congenital hip dysplasia in an infant?

Assessing for congenital hip dysplasia in an infant is best performed through the Ortolani and Barlow tests, which are specific maneuvers designed to detect hip instability and dislocation. These tests involve locating the hip joint and assessing its function through gentle manipulation.

In the Ortolani test, the examiner abducts the hips and applies a gentle pressure to the femur to feel for any slipping back into the acetabulum, which indicates a dislocated hip that can be reduced. The Barlow test, on the other hand, evaluates the hip's stability by adducting the hip while applying a gentle force posteriorly. If the hip is dislocatable, it will slip out of the joint during this maneuver.

Using these two tests together provides a reliable assessment of the infant’s hip joint, specifically detecting congenital hip dysplasia early, which is crucial for effective treatment and preventing long-term complications.

While measuring hip circumference, observing limb movement, and obtaining parental interviews may provide some information, they do not specifically assess the integrity or functionality of the hip joint in the targeted manner that the Ortolani and Barlow tests do. These tests are established clinical practices and the gold standards for this type of assessment.