A hip ultrasound assesses selected soft-tissue structures around the hip, such as accessible tendons and bursae. It can support a focused assessment of lateral hip pain or a superficial soft-tissue concern, while recognising that many deeper hip conditions need a different investigation.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound uses sound waves to show many tendons, bursae, ligaments, muscles and superficial soft-tissue structures in real time. The right scan depends on the body area, the pattern of symptoms and the clinical question your clinician needs answered.
Before booking, tell our team about recent injury, surgery, numbness, fever, changes in strength or difficulty using the limb. Those details help us direct you to the most appropriate assessment and preparation advice.
Written & reviewed by
Victoria Medical Ultrasound Pathway Team
Victoria Medical diagnostic imaging pathway information
What a Private Hip Ultrasound Scan Can Assess
The page is designed for an appropriate lateral hip pain, tendon or bursa question, snapping symptoms, a focal swelling or a superficial lump. It is not a replacement for an urgent trauma assessment or a full assessment of deep hip-joint disease.
| Structure or area | What the examination may help assess |
|---|---|
| Gluteal tendon region | Visible tendon and insertion-related features at the outer hip |
| Trochanteric bursa region | Fluid or bursal changes where visible |
| Hip-flexor region | Selected superficial anterior soft-tissue features in an appropriate clinical question |
| Superficial lump or swelling | Location, size and visible characteristics |
What Ultrasound May Not Show Completely
Ultrasound cannot fully assess many deep hip-joint structures, including cartilage, the labrum and some bone conditions. Persistent groin pain, marked loss of movement, suspected fracture or a complex clinical picture may need a GP or specialist assessment and different imaging.
A normal or limited ultrasound result does not replace a clinical assessment when pain, weakness, instability or loss of function persists.
How to Prepare
No fasting or bladder preparation is needed. Wear loose shorts, a skirt or flexible clothing that allows access to the side or front of the hip while maintaining your dignity and comfort.
- Bring relevant referral letters, previous imaging reports or physiotherapy information if you have them.
- Wear loose clothing or sportswear that allows direct access to the scan area.
- Tell the team before the appointment if you cannot move the area comfortably or have had recent surgery or an injection.
What Happens During the Scan
You will lie on your side or back, depending on the clinical question. The sonographer applies gel and scans the accessible structures. They may ask you to move the leg gently if that is safe and useful for the examination.
Results and the Next Clinical Step
The sonographer records the images needed for the clinical question. Your report must be interpreted with your symptoms and examination findings. Depending on the result, the next step may be self-management advice, physiotherapy, a GP review, specialist review or a different investigation.
When a Routine Scan Is Not the Right First Step
Seek urgent medical help if you cannot bear weight after an injury, have a deformed limb, severe hip pain with fever, a hot swollen joint, new numbness or weakness, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.
Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency. A routine ultrasound appointment must not delay emergency assessment.
Clinical Evidence and Careful Interpretation
The evidence base supports ultrasound as one component of an appropriate musculoskeletal assessment, particularly for accessible soft-tissue and dynamic questions. Research also shows why a clinician must combine scan findings with your history and examination rather than using imaging alone to make every diagnosis. The DOI-linked systematic reviews below inform this cautious approach.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Confirm the right examination
Tell the clinic team where the symptoms are, how they started and whether you have urgent features.
Prepare for access
Wear clothing that exposes the relevant area comfortably and bring any helpful prior information.
Have the focused scan
The sonographer applies gel and uses a probe over the relevant area. They may ask you to make a gentle movement when it is safe to do so.
Plan the next step
The clinic will explain the reporting route and the clinically appropriate follow-up after the scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]Zwerus EL et al. Physical examination of the elbow: a systematic literature review. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2017. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096712.
- [2]Campbell RE et al. Diagnostic imaging of ulnar collateral ligament injury: a systematic review. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2020. DOI: 10.1177/0363546520937302.
- [3]Kinsella R et al. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for greater trochanteric pain syndrome: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2023. DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2023.11890.
- [4]Kumar KHS et al. Pathogenesis and contemporary diagnoses for lateral hip pain: a scoping review. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2020. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-020-06354-1.
- [5]McAuliffe S et al. Can ultrasound imaging predict the development of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy? A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2016. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096288.
- [6]Netterström-Wedin F et al. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests assessing ligamentous injury of the talocrural and subtalar joints: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Sports Health. 2021. DOI: 10.1177/19417381211029953.
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