Normal ranges of hip motion in the newborn

200 white and 200 black normal term infants were clinically evaluated for range of motion of hip joints. Normal ranges and means were established clinically. Flexion contracture proved most constant (standard deviation 8°) and external rotation most variable (standard deviation 14°). When subjected to T-test for statistical significance, no significant differences were found between blacks and whites or males and females. Variability in the range of hip motion in the newborn does not correlate with known differences in incidence and severity of various childhood and adult hip maladies according to race and/or sex. An interesting extension of this study would be the longterm followup of these infants to determine if the subsequent development of hip problems in this group was related to early range of motion.