Hip X-ray Reporting

A hip X-ray is a diagnostic imaging method that visualizes the bones and supporting structures in the hip area. The bones in this area form a ball-and-socket joint, which is the main area observed using a hip X-ray. A hip X-ray is primarily performed in cases of hip pain, injury or fall, difficulty walking, suspected arthritis, and congenital or developmental hip problems. The hip X-ray typically visualizes hard tissues like bones, and is not as effective for soft tissues.

Organ-Based Types

Femoral Head and Neck X-ray

This type of X-ray is used to observe the upper end of the femur (thigh bone), specifically the femoral head and neck. It is typically used to diagnose neck of femur fractures, avascular necrosis, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Acetabulum X-ray

In this type of X-ray, the acetabulum, which is the socket part of the hip joint, is observed. This X-ray is generally performed after high-impact injuries, such as road accidents. It can effectively diagnose conditions like acetabular fractures, joint space narrowing, socket deformities, and post-traumatic changes

Sacroiliac Joint X-ray

The sacroiliac joint is the joint where the spine meets the pelvis. This area is visualized using an X-ray when a pain in a different region of the body is suspected to originate in the sacroiliac joint. It is used to diagnose conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and sacroiliitis.

Conditions to Diagnose

Traumatic Conditions

Hip fractures (neck of femur fracture, intertrochanteric fracture, subtrochanteric fracture)

Acetabular fractures

Hip dislocation (anterior or posterior)

Stress fractures

Avulsion fractures

Degenerative Conditions

Osteoarthritis of the hip

Post-traumatic arthritis

Secondary degenerative joint disease

Congenital / Developmental Conditions

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)

Congenital hip dislocation

Leg length discrepancy

Perthes disease (Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease)

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)

Inflammatory Conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis

Ankylosing spondylitis (hip involvement)

Septic arthritis

Transient synovitis

Infectious Conditions

Osteomyelitis of the femur or pelvis

Tuberculosis of the hip

Tumors and Bone Lesions

Benign bone tumors (osteochondroma, bone cyst)

Malignant bone tumors (osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma)

Metastatic bone disease

Multiple myeloma

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a hip X-ray performed?

A hip X-ray is performed to detect conditions like fractures, arthritis, dislocation, infections, tumors, and developmental problems.

Does a hip X-ray show muscles and ligaments?

No. Soft tissues like muscles and ligaments are typically not observed in a hip X-ray.

Is a hip X-ray a painful procedure?

No. Hip X-ray is a non-invasive and painless procedure with a minimal amount of radiation.