Barlow's sign for congenital dislocated hip

[GingerSue]

hope this pediatric forum is the right place:

how is the Barlow's test done for to assess dislocated hip?

I've tried googling, but the descriptions so far have not been clear.

One source said:

1. thumbs in groin

2. grasp upper thigh

3. lever in & out of the acetabulum (during abduction & adduction)

One source said:

Barlow's is pressure from the front, as the femoral head slips out over the

acetabulum then back.

Taber's said:

1. adduct and extend the legs

2. fingers over the head of the femur

Is there a source that'll show how this is done, or a diagram with clear

instructions?

Thanks

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

It's very good for picking up dislocated hips in infants. There's usually no mistaking the "click" you feel when the acetabulum slips out of the socket. The maneuver is called Ortolani's Maneuver, the click Barlow's Sign.

http://www.massgeneral.org/ORTHO/Hip_Dysplasia.htm

[GingerSue]

thank you, there are some diagrams in the link,

and it shows Ortolani's and Barlow's maneuvers

(arrows going in opposite directions)