Which statement about the Ortolani maneuver in hip dysplasia assessment is correct?

• A. It determines whether the femoral head is dislocated medially
• B. It determines whether the femoral head is dislocated laterally
• C. It assesses acetabular depth without moving the hip
• D. It measures leg length discrepancy

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the Ortolani maneuver checks for a hip that is dislocated and, importantly, can be reduced back into the acetabulum by gentle abduction. When you flex the infant’s hip and knee and then gently abduct while applying upward pressure on the femur, a palpable clunk or movement indicates the femoral head was dislocated and is now relocating into the socket. This is consistent with a hip that has displaced laterally (posterior-lateral direction) and is reducible with this maneuver, confirming a dislocated hip that can be reduced. The maneuver does not assess medial dislocation, acetabular depth without movement, or leg length discrepancy.