Imaging of Pediatric Hip Disorders in the Young Athlete

Pediatric hip pain in young athletes encompasses a wide range of disorders related to skeletal immaturity and increasing athletic demands. Timely and accurate diagnosis is important, as delayed recognition may result in growth disturbances, instability, and long-term morbidity. Imaging plays a central role in differentiating clinically significant abnormalities from normal developmental variation and less consequential conditions. This review presents a pattern-based framework for evaluating pediatric hip pathology, organized into key categories based on dominant imaging patterns. Emphasis is placed on imaging findings that influence management and return-to-play decisions, including high-risk features and common pitfalls related to skeletal maturation. This approach provides a practical framework for diagnosis, risk stratification, and effective multidisciplinary communication.