Which statement about the Galeazzi and Klisic tests is true?

• A. They are better indicators of DDH than instability after 3 months of age
• B. They assess knee stability
• C. They diagnose scoliosis
• D. They evaluate elbow stability

Answer: (A)

Galeazzi and Klisic tests are screening maneuvers for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infants. The key idea is to assess whether the femoral head is properly seated in the acetabulum.

In the Galeazzi test, the infant lies on the back with hips and knees bent. You compare the heights of the knees; if one knee sits lower, it suggests that the hip on that side is dislocated or dysplastic. The Klisic test involves feeling the position of the femoral head as the hip is moved, to detect whether the head remains in the acetabulum or slides out, indicating instability or dislocation.

These tests are most informative in newborns and young infants. Their ability to signal DDH is better than their ability to detect hip instability that appears after about three months of age, when reliability declines and imaging becomes more important. They do not assess knee stability, scoliosis, or elbow stability.