Musculoskeletal System Musculoskeletal Ultrasound of the Adult Hip and Groin – Anatomy and Pathology

Ultrasound evaluation for hip joint effusion is made using an anterior approach parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck. At the junction of the femoral neck and head the normal capsular margin should follow this bony contour with evaluation looking to assess outward capsular displacement by fluid or other pathology. If fluid is seen its echotexture should be determined as purely hypoechoic (suggesting simple fluid) or complex in nature with internal echoes (suggesting active inflammation or infection). These features should be used to support any underlying clinical diagnosis as ultimately normal or markedly abnormal ultrasound features are not disease specific.