Normal Ranges of Hip Motion in Neonates

Passive range of motion (ROM) of seven hip joint movements were measured in 60 healthy, full-term neonates to determine 95% normal ranges. All neonates lacked full hip extension, and lateral rotation was greater than medial rotation. No significant differences in hip ROM were found between males and females or between Hispanic and Caucasian neonates. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. Positive correlations, although not strong, were found between birth weight and birth length, abduction in flexion and medial rotation, and abduction in flexion and lateral rotation. Negative correlations, although weak, were found between birth weight and medial rotation, adduction and ending flexion, adduction and lateral rotation, and adduction and abduction in flexion. The methodology is comprehensive and detailed, and provides a procedural basis for future developmental data.