Accurate needle placement by the suction-bubble technique for hip arthrography

We present a novel, effective method for verifying intraarticular needle placement for hip aspiration and arthrography. The vacuum created by hip-joint distraction induces an easily visualized movement of air bubbles in attached tubing, thereby confirming accurate localization. The suction-bubble technique is safe, objective, and reproducible in even inexperienced hands. We report no complications of erroneous extracapsular injection of contrast in >50 cases.