Paediatric: Barlow test: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Paediatric: Barlow test

Sample item

In a Barlow test, the examiner adducts the flexed hip while applying posteriorly directed pressure. A positive test means what?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. The hip is located but can be dislocated

A positive Barlow test indicates an unstable hip that sits in the socket but can be dislocated by provocation. A positive Ortolani test denotes a dislocated hip that can be reduced. Both are valid only in the first few months of life.

Option by option

  • A. The hip is dislocated and can be reduced

    That description is of the Ortolani test.

  • B. The hip is located but can be dislocated (correct)

    Correct. Barlow detects a dislocatable hip.

  • C. The hip is fixed in dislocation

    A fixed dislocation shows limited abduction rather than provocable instability.

  • D. The hip is stable

    A stable hip does not dislocate with provocation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is B, The hip is located but can be dislocated. A positive Barlow test indicates an unstable hip that sits in the socket but can be dislocated by provocation.

Why is "The hip is dislocated and can be reduced" not the answer?

That description is of the Ortolani test.

Why is "The hip is fixed in dislocation" not the answer?

A fixed dislocation shows limited abduction rather than provocable instability.

Why is "The hip is stable" not the answer?

A stable hip does not dislocate with provocation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric: Barlow test in Orthopaedics. A positive Ortolani test denotes a dislocated hip that can be reduced. Both are valid only in the first few months of life.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Paediatric: Barlow test?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.