Hypothesis 1 – Hip laxity

Supporting clinical signs and diagnostic tests–
Positive Ortalani sign on left hip—demonstrates hip laxity
Unable to perform test for hip laxity on right hip due to pain
Palpation of the hip joint caused pain reaction, more on right than left

Explanation of hypothesis—
	Because of joint laxity, weight –bearing contact of the femoral head and acetabulum is decreased.  This concentrates forces on a smaller area and causes articular cartilage to be susceptible to more wear and tear.  Joint capsule and bone thickening occur in response to attempted joint stablization and stress.  Osteophytes then form along the hip joint, leading to abnormal joint surfaces and degenerative changes.