High-resolution ultrasound in the evaluation of the adult hip

Abstract

This paper reviews ultrasound of the hip, which is a commonly requested examination for symptomatic hip issues. This includes both intra-articular and extra-articular causes of hip pain. Ultrasound is easily acces- sible, lacks radiation exposure, and allows for evaluation of the contralateral hip as well as assessment of dy- namic maneuvers. Ultrasound can be used to guide interventional procedures. Ultrasound of the hip can be challenging due to the deep location of structures and complex anatomy. Typically, high-frequency trans- ducers are used to examine the hip, however the choice of ultrasound transducer depends on the patient’s body habitus, with lower frequency transducers required to penetrate deep structures in obese patients. It is important to have an approach to ultrasound of the hip which includes assessment of the anterior, lateral, posterior, and medial aspects of the hip. The technique and relevant anatomy of each of these compart- ments are discussed as well as the use of Doppler examination of the hip. Several dynamic maneuvers can be performed to help determine the cause of hip pathology in various locations, and these are described and illustrated. Ultrasound is useful for guided procedures about the hip, and these indications will be reviewed.