No specific Preparation
Hip Scan
Same Day Appointments
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No GP Referral Needed
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Instant Scan Summary
Scan results summary before you leave
From
£160
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What's included in the Hip Scan
Formal written ultrasound report within 24-48 hours
Expert Care by HCPC & GMC Clinicians
Option to add a musculoskeletal assessment by an advanced physiotherapist or specialist doctor
Option to add an ultrasound-guided injection of steroid or advanced pain relief medication
About the Hip Scan
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.
Objective of the 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
Why choose us for your Hip Scan
What brought you here?
Pick the closest match. We'll show what the scan looks for and what usually happens next.
What the scan looks for
The gluteal tendons where they attach to the bone, the trochanteric bursae, and Doppler for active inflammation around the tendon.
What happens next
We talk you through what we saw before you leave, and your written report follows within 24 hours, ready to share with your GP, physiotherapist or sports medicine doctor.
What the scan looks for
The hamstring tendon origin at the sitting bone, the surrounding bursa, and any fluid, thickening or tearing at the attachment.
What happens next
You get a verbal summary at the end of the appointment, then a written report within 24 hours for your physiotherapist or sports medicine review.
What the scan looks for
The quadriceps, hamstring and adductor muscles for fibre disruption, the size of any bleed, and how far the tear extends.
What happens next
We describe where the tear sits and how large it is so your physiotherapist can plan rehabilitation. The written report follows within 24 hours.
What the scan looks for
The lump's size, depth and whether it is solid, cystic or a collection of blood, with Doppler to check its blood flow.
What happens next
We give you a verbal summary before you leave and a written report within 24 hours, with advice on whether a specialist opinion or further imaging is needed.
What the scan looks for
Fluid collections, abscess, haematoma and tissue swelling around the surgical site, with Doppler to look for inflammation.
What happens next
Findings are explained to you at the time and reported to your GP or surgical team within 24 hours. If a collection looks infected we advise you to seek urgent care.
Please note: Hip ultrasound can't see inside the bone or assess the hip labrum and joint cartilage, because they sit too deep for sound waves. Those need an X-ray or MRI.
Why do I need a Hip Scan?
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
What we check
The areas examined in one appointment. Open any section for detail.
What can the Hip Scan detect?
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
Benefits of the Hip Scan
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.
How to prepare
Arriving with the right preparation is important as failure to do so may result in us not being able to perform the scan.
No preparation needed
- No specific preparation is required for this scan.
Having a guided injection?
- We do not recommend that you drive after having a steroid injection, so please travel by public transport or have someone accompany or collect you after the procedure.
- Read the guided injection patient information before your appointment.
On the day
During the scan you will be asked to uncover the area being scanned, so we advise wearing loose clothing. A small amount of ultrasound gel is placed on your skin and a handheld probe is moved over the area. You may be asked to move the joint so the clinician can see how the tendons and muscles work.
The scan is pain-free. At the end you get a verbal summary of the results and the chance to ask any questions. If you booked an assessment or a guided injection, it follows in the same appointment.
Right after
Your clinician talks you through a verbal summary and answers your questions.
Within 24-48 hours
A formal written report arrives by email, ready to share with your GP.
If anything needs follow-up
We explain what was seen, the options and who to speak to next.
What patients say
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Common Questions
What is a Hip Ultrasound?
A hip ultrasound is a diagnostic method that uses soundwaves to provide pictures of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, bone and soft tissues of the hip.
The hip ultrasound is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat various medical condition. The ultrasound itself is safe and painless. The ultrasound can be performed in newborns all the way to adults with no problems because it is not uncomfortable.
Hip scans don’t require any additional preparations before the exam. However, it is more convenient if you wear lose fitting clothing when coming for the ultrasound. You may need to remove all clothing and jewellery in the area to be examined.
If the exam is being performed in an infant, it is advisable to feed the baby just before the exam. You can check with our office for any additional requirements prior to the exam to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.
During the examination, you will be asked to lie on your back on the examination table. The sonographer will place a gel on a transducer and move it around the hip area as they try to take different images of the hip.
On average, a hip ultrasound shouldn’t take a lot of time. But because the scans are sensitive to motion and babies can get fussy, it can take longer when performing the scan on an infant.
Why Should You Get a Hip Ultrasound?
Various conditions may require evaluation of the hip using ultrasound. The exact condition depends on your age, but some of the most common reasons for getting a hip ultrasound include;
- Investigating abnormalities of the muscles such as tears and soft-tissue muscles
- Foreign bodies, bleeding infections and other types of fluid collections in the hip joint
- Checking for benign and malignant soft tissue tumours
- Checking for early changes of arthritis
- Checking the hips for developmental dysplasia (DDH) which in infants can range from a shallow cup (bony acetabular dysplasia) to complete dislocation with the ball of the femoral head completely outside the socket.
When conducting a hip ultrasound on a child, the scan can be conducted from birth to about six months of age. Other conditions that might influence getting a hip ultrasound in babies include;
- Detection of an abnormality found through physical examination of the baby’s hip
- A family history of hip dysplasia
- Delivery from a breech birth
How much is a private hip ultrasound in London?
The cost of a hip scan can be as low as £160. However, we offer various additional services with the hip scans including an MSK assessment and ultrasound guided injections that might impact the overall cost of the ultrasound.
How long does a hip ultrasound take?
On average, your hip ultrasound should take about 20-30 minutes. However, when working with babies and infants, it might take longer depending on how still they remain during the examination.
How soon can I get the results after the ultrasound?
You should be able to leave with verbal results after the hip ultrasound. But it might take about 24 hours to get official results electronically.
Book your Hip Scan
Choose the service and side and we'll show your price. Same-day and weekend appointments at The Scan Clinic London East in Gants Hill.
Your priceChoose a service
Scan only£160
Scan & assessmentfrom £199
Scan & guided injectionfrom £280
Both sides cost more and show here when you choose them. Verbal summary and written report included.
How to find our scan clinic in East London
Our private ultrasound clinic in East London is a 5-minute walk from Gants Hill station on the Central line.
Address
The Scan Clinic London East
635A Cranbrook Road
Gants Hill IG2 6SX
Free parking spaces directly in front of the clinic, plus a paid public car park opposite.
Important notes
- We will require details of your GP / Health Care Professional, which may be requested before or at the time of the scan.
- This scan requires access to the area of interest; therefore, it is recommended to wear loose clothing to facilitate this process.
- Study images are not typically included with the scan but may be requested, further information can be found by clicking here.
- Our London East clinic is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. Please note that we don’t have a lift available at this location.
- All of our first-line tests are optional and provided on a self-referral basis. If you have a referral letter, please bring it, as it gives us useful medical background. You must be aged 18 years or over to use this service. If you have an existing medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or have any concerns about whether this test is appropriate for you, we recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
- We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific requirements, reasonable adjustments, cultural considerations, or practitioner preferences before your appointment. Whilst we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, this may not always be possible at short notice or subject to staff availability.
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More about the Hip Scan
Learn more about joint, muscle and tendon problems and how ultrasound helps in our Health Hub.
Go to Health Hub
Medically reviewed by
Mr. Mohammad Usman
Clinical Lead and Consultant Sonographer