The Presenting Symptoms, Differential Diagnosis, and Physical Examination of Patients Presenting with Hip Pain

Abstract

The key to treating hip pain is accurate diagnosis. The search for a specific diagnosis in clinical cases of pain in the hip region is guided by an understanding of the large variety of potential causes and by a physical examination focused on the region of the hip and surrounding structures. An understanding of the differential diagnosis related to pain in the region of the hip is necessary to guide an appropriate examination and diagnostic work-up strategy. Imaging of the hip can be essential for making a proper diagnosis but is not needed to initiate a treatment plan in all cases. Table 1 presents some of the common causes of hip pain in the adult population. Some of the typical presenting symptoms are listed, and the physical examination is described. 1-4 Hip pain can present with a variety of painful patterns and limitations in motion. It may be acute or chronic, mild or severe, and localized or widely distributed. Hip pain can radiate proximally and distally and can