People of all ages can experience hip pain. Whether you pull a muscle while jogging or fall and bruise the bone, hip injuries can be serious. The hip joint connects the thigh bone (femur) to the pelvis and spine. Any hip injury could affect your ability to walk with or without pain. At Midstate Radiology Associates, we perform ultrasounds to identify abnormalities in the hip.
What Is a Hip Ultrasound?
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the body’s internal structure, including the bones, muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons and soft tissues. It is a common medical imaging technique to look for any irregularities in the body. A transducer and ultrasound gel are used on the skin to direct these sound waves at the specific site of concern. The images created then can be analyzed on a computer. Our radiologists look for changes in appearance in the imaged anatomy. This procedure is painless, noninvasive and safe for infant patients to older individuals.
Who Should Have This Procedure?
Ultrasounds can identify several hip conditions: Muscle or tendon tears, joint fluid, infections, tumors and signs of arthritis. In children, a radiologist can also diagnose developmental issues with a hip ultrasound. If you are experiencing hip pain that is not the result of a bone break, this could be the right procedure for you.
What You Can Expect
While special preparations are not required for an ultrasound, you should wear comfortable clothing that is loose-fitting. Laying on your back or side in an exam room, a radiologist will apply the ultrasound gel to the area being scanned to help the transducer maintain contact.
As these screenings are sensitive to movement, it is important for younger patients to remain calm throughout the procedure. There are no needles or injections with a hip ultrasound, so your appointment will be quick and painless!
Is Hip Ultrasound the right procedure for you? Contact us to make an appointment today!
