[Hip pain from a rheumatologic viewpoint]

The differential diagnosis of hip pain does not only include disorders limited to the hip joint itself but those of adjacent bones and periarticular soft tissues. In addition spine disorders, intraabdominal pathologies, peripheral vascular diseases and nerve entrapment syndromes should be considered. A careful clinical history and examination of the patient are essential for precise diagnosis. Some typical manifestations of disorders frequently seen in clinical practice are outlined.