clicking hip

Last reviewed 01/2018

A clicking hip in Ortolani's or Barlow's test does not imply congenital dislocation of that hip; instead it is believed to be a phenomenon simlilar to that heard in other clicking joints, perhaps secondary to gas release in a joint. However, given the fact that the detection of dislocated hips is difficult many centres have a policy of referral of all children with clicking hips to the orthopaedic surgeons, for ultrasonic review.