Standardized sonographic examination of the hip joint

Abstract

We demonstrate a technique for examining the hip joint sonographically in a standardised way using sectional planes corresponding to the guidelines provided by the work group "Sonography of the Musculo-Skeletal System" of the German Society of Ultrasound (DEGUM). MRT-scans were used as a comparative standard. The ultrasound examination was performed in the following standardised way: a transversal and longitudinal scan were done in the ventral region and additionally a longitudinal scan in the lateral region. In cases without pathological findings two standardised planes should be documented. In the case of pathological findings the picture should be documented in two standardised planes and compared to the corresponding contralateral site. An ultrasound examination standardised in this way facilitates a precise assessment of the ventral joint capsule, the bone structures, the ventral and lateral aspects of the glenoid cavity and the peri-articular soft tissue structures of the hip joint. An examination technique is presented which offers additional pictorial information, saves costs and is not harmful to the patient. The ultrasound examination of the hip joint can supply additional information about diseases and traumatic changes in this region. In paediatric hip disorders such as transient synovitis, septic arthritis, juvenile arthritis, Leg-Calvé-Perthes disease and slipped femoral epiphysis, the ultrasound examination can provide important additional information for the initial differential diagnosis and during follow-up.