Hip Scan

The hip scan aims to provide a detailed assessment of the significant musculoskeletal structures in the hip and thigh using ultrasound. The hip comprises a number of tissues including muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and cartilage. The hip scan uses ultrasound waves to see inside the hip and look at these structures. It is a quick and painless test that is completely safe. The results of the hip scan are discussed with you following the scan.

The hip and thigh ultrasound scan can assess:

• Bone structures (femoral head and acetabulum)
• Fibrocartilaginous structures (acetabular labrum)
• Cartilage layers covering the hip joint
• Capsular-ligamentous structures
• Synovial joint
• Muscles and tendons
• Synovial bursae
• Neurovascular structures

A hip ultrasound scan is a diagnostic imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the structures inside the hip area. It can be used to evaluate the tendons, ligaments, muscles, bursa and fluid in the hip.  Hip problems and injuries are common in adults, especially in old age or following an injury or overuse.  These injuries can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute injuries could be caused by sudden traumatic events such as falls or accidents. Chronic injuries are usually due to repetitive microtrauma to the area, however, in some instances may also be a consequence of an acute injury. A musculoskeletal scan of the hip can be used to quickly and safely examine the hip joint to check for any potential problems.

Although the hip is largely bony, it also has soft tissue structures like tendons and muscles meaning the hip can be subjected to ultrasound to determine integrity of the structures inside the hip. Hip ultrasounds have many applications but is mainly used for diagnostic purposes. If you present with pain and discomfort around the hip, and the X-ray doesn’t identify the problem, your doctor may request for a hip ultrasound to determine if the pain and discomfort could be from the soft tissue structures.

You may need to have a hip and thigh scan for one or more of the following reasons;

• Hip pain
• Hip joint pain
• Hip swelling
• Thigh pain
• Thigh swelling
• Inflammation of the hip or thigh
• Reduced hip movement
• Hip discomfort
• Buttock pain
• Hip Inflammation (bursitis)
• Thigh lump
• Post-surgical complications e.g. abscess, oedema
• Haematomas

Our hip and thigh ultrasound scans are used to assess for common problems in the hip and thigh which can include:

• Inflammation bursitis
• Sprains & Tears
• Traumatic injury
• Lumps
• Haematomas
• Restricted Movement
• Arthritis
• Over Use Injury
• Infection

The scan is painless, safe, and can be done quickly. Your doctor may require a hip and thigh ultrasound scan along with other imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI to plan the best treatment. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive imaging modality and is widely used for the assessment of the hip and thigh. It can provide clinically useful information on a wide range of conditions affecting the hip, including the tendons, ligaments, muscles, synovial space, articular cartilage, and surrounding soft tissues.

A private hip ultrasound can have numerous benefits depending on the reason for taking the ultrasound. Common benefits associated with private hip scans include;

• Timely interventions – Private hip ultrasounds not only provide real time imaging of the various structures within the hip area but can be done quickly and with private clinics, the results are released quickly ensuring quick and timely medical interventions where possible.
• High-res images – When diagnosing, the slightest detail can make all the different. We have invested in the best and latest equipment and the best sonographers that take their time to ensure we capture the smallest details that will help you and your healthcare provider make an informed decision.