Barlow maneuver

Barlow maneuver
Purposescreen for developmental dysplasia of hip

The Barlow maneuver is a physical examination performed on infants to screen for developmental dysplasia of the hip. It is named for Dr. Thomas Geoffrey Barlow (September 25, 1915 – May 25, 1975), an English orthopedic surgeon, who devised this test. It was clinically tested during 1957–1962 at Hope Hospital, Salford, Lancashire.[1]

Procedure[edit]

The maneuver is easily performed by adducting the hip (bringing the thigh towards the midline) while applying pressure on the knee, directing the force posteriorly.[2]

Interpretation[edit]

If the hip is dislocatable — that is, if the hip can be popped out of socket with this maneuver — the test is considered positive. The Ortolani maneuver is then used, to confirm the positive finding (i.e., that the hip actually dislocated).

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Barlow TG (1962). "Early diagnosis and treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip". The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 44-B (2): 92–301.
  2. ^ French LM, Dietz FR (July 1999). "Screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip". American Family Physician. 60 (1): 177–84, 187–8. PMID 10414637.