Ultrasound Evaluation of the Hip

Non-arthritic hip pain is a common presentation among the general population, with many possible contributing etiologies. While radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are all within the standard diagnostic workup, ultrasonography has emerged as a facile tool given its low cost, lack of radiation, and dynamic application. This article reviews the utility of ultrasound (US) in evaluation of non-arthritic hip pain and its ability to detect pathology both statically and dynamically in comparison and as an adjunct to standard imaging modalities.

Current research highlights applications of US to commonly treated hip pathologies including femoroacetabular impingement, labral tears, hip microinstability, and various other extra-articular phenomena. While static evaluation seems to add similar value to that of radiography, several novel protocols have been developed that allow for dynamic evaluation of joint biomechanics, including extent and onset of impingement and femoral head translation, that cannot be assessed with more standard imaging modalities.