• Diminished movement in the affected side
• Asymmetry in leg positions
• Asymmetry of the thigh fat folds
• After 3 months of age, asymmetry of rotation of the leg and apparent shortening of the affected leg

Pediatricians routinely screen all newborns and infants for hip dysplasia. There are several maneuvers that can detect a dislocated hip or a hip that is able to be dislocated.

A hip that is truly dislocated in an infant should be picked up, but some cases are subtle and some develop after birth, which is why multiple examinations are recommended. Some mild cases are "silent" and cannot be picked up on physical exam.

Ultrasound of the hip is the most important imaging study and will demonstrate hip deformity. A hip X-ray (joint X-ray) is helpful in older infants and children.