[Systematic evaluation of the painful hip]

The painful hip has been a topic of study that has evolved from the beginning of the last century to the present. The clinical approach is complex, and requires a systematization process associated with good questioning, clinical maneuvers with their corresponding interpretation, and complementary imaging studies. The understanding of hip pathology, especially in young adults, is highly simplified and sometimes underdiagnosed, therefore, not treated in a timely manner. The prevalence of painful hip is more common in males (49 to 55%) than in females (25 to 28%), and the causes may vary according to demographic characteristics and the history of each patient. Bryan Kelly, made a topographic and anatomical description of the approach to the painful hip according to the theory or system of the layers: I. Osteochondral layer; II. Inert layer; III. Contractile layer; and IV. Neuro-mechanical layer. This system helps us understand the anatomical site of pain and its clinicopathological correlation. The semiological approach to hip pain is the fundamental pillar for differential diagnosis. We can divide it according to its topography into anterior, lateral and posterior, as well as according to its chronology and characteristics. The physical examination should be carried out systematically, starting from a generalized inspection of gait and posture to the evaluation of specific signs for alterations in each layer, which evoke pain with specific postures and ranges of mobility, or weakness and alterations in the arc of mobility of the joint. Image evaluation is initially recommended with radiographic projections that evaluate different planes, both coronal, sagittal and axial, complemented with panoramic views, and eventually dynamic sagittal ones if necessary. Requesting specific studies such as tomography to evaluate bone structure and reserve, or simple MRI when there is suspicion of soft tissue affection, or failing that, arthroresonance for joint pathology, will depend on the clinical symptoms and radiographic findings.