[Ultrasound diagnosis in hip trauma]

The Question is: What are the indications for ultrasonography of the hip joint following trauma, except the investigation in children, and in which cases does ultrasonography provide a useful improvement within the diagnostic cascade? Considering the limitations in evaluation of boney structures and also soft tissues (due to anatomic topography) and if CT and MRI is not available, the moin indications are: Suspected soft tissue lesions (articular effusion, bursitis, muscle tears etc.) and vascular disorders (deep venous thromboses, vascular tears and occlusions). Both in preoperative planning and in postoperative follow up, ultrasonography provides useful information (e.g. after shunt surgery or as a screening method for venous thrombosis). There is also tho option for sonographically guide punction, drainage or even treatment (e.g. block anaesthesia). Performed by an experienced clinician, ultrasonography of the hip joint has a lot of indications to gain quick information. Using this non-invasive technique, demanding and invasive diagnostic investigations (for example phlebography) may even by saved.