Ultrasonography in the study of pathological conditions of the hip

The authors describe the use of real-time ultrasonography in the investigation of the hip joint. The study involved 25 patients with traumatic, inflammatory or degenerative lesions. It was possible to evaluate effusion and capsular changes in 13 cases and to correlate these findings with the type of pathology involved. The ultrasonographic findings in the patients with degenerative or inflammatory joint disease were confirmed at operation. The method described is simple, quick and devoid of risk to the patient. It is therefore a useful investigation in the study of disorders of the hip joint.