NORMAL XRAY OF THE HIP SERIES

Ultrasound images are obtained using high-frequency sound waves which are sent and received through a small hand-held device known as a transducer. Individuals with cardiac pacemakers and some types of metal implants are not candidates for MRI. For the small percentage of patients who may experience claustrophobia, a mild sedative can make them more comfortable. MRI uses no radiation, and most people can undergo the process without any difficulty, according to Dr. MRI can reveal edema (swelling) within the bone – information that can help confirm a diagnosis of a subtle fracture or injury.” “For example, a patient may fracture a hip and, despite some pain, may not be severely disabled by the injury. “MRI can also be important in diagnosing a hip fracture that is not clearly visible on X-ray or CT scan,” says Dr.

Most MRI exams for hip pain take about 45 minutes. MRI produces cross-sectional, multiplanar images that allow the orthopedist to evaluate anatomic structures – including various types of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones.īecause MRI scanners are noisy, HSS patients are given earplugs or MRI-compatible headphones and offered a wide range of music to help them relax and protect their ears.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) involves a large apparatus that contains a high-strength magnet. This magnet surrounds a platform on which a patient lies during the examination. Patients who will be undergoing CT or MR imaging can expect to meet with a radiologist who will conduct a brief patient history and describe the procedure. However, its usefulness in the diagnosis of hip pain is limited because of the multiple structures present in the hip, including different forms of cartilage and tendons, that are difficult to visualize on a CT examination.ĬT scans may be used to obtain presurgical measurements for a certain hip conditions, including femoroacetabular impingement (a condition in which the ball and socket of the hip joint rub together abnormally, thereby damaging the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones) or osteoid osteoma (a benign tumor). This method provides more detailed information than is available on conventional X-ray.

NORMAL XRAY OF THE HIP SERIES

Computed Tomography (CT)ĬT scans, also known as CAT scans (where CAT refers to computerized axial tomography), is an imaging study in which a series of digital images are obtained as the patient moves through a doughnut-shaped machine that houses a thin X-ray beam. To obtain this information, an MRI may be necessary. While bony structures can be viewed clearly on X-ray, in some cases, an orthopedist may also want to see whether an injury to surrounding soft tissues is contributing to the patient’s pain. X-rays, also known as 'plain films' or 'conventional radiographs,' are often the first choice for obtaining images. “In an older patient, we are likely to begin with X-rays of the hip.” X-ray Saboeiro, MD, former chief of the division of ultrasound in the Department of Radiology and Imaging at HSS. “If we see a ball player who injured their hip or hamstring, we don’t expect to see a bone abnormality, so we are probably going to use an ultrasound first,” says Gregory R. The orthopedist determines which method to use, depending on the suspected disease or injury, the specific type of information needed and, in some cases, the age or general condition of the patient. Imaging technologies used at HSS to diagnose hip pain include X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. MD, “including the spine, the pelvis, or even the knee.” Methods of Imaging “Hip pain can come from a lot of different places,” explains former HSS radiologist Douglas N. In many cases, the physician can make a diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment based on a patient's health history and a physical exam.īut for some patients, imaging studies may be recommended in order to precisely determine the source of the pain, make a diagnosis, and gain important information about the condition. Determining the cause of hip pain usually starts with a visit to the family doctor, internist, or orthopedist.

Normal xray of the hip