What is X-RAY HIP AP?

The AP hip is part of a radiographic series examining the anatomy of the hip joint and proximal femur.

Indications

This view helps to visualize any potential fractures, dislocations, bone lesions, or degenerative diseases to the hip joint. It is also often requested in post-operative examinations evaluating the placement of existing orthopedic devices. However, certain departments may favor the AP pelvis as it allows comparisons of both hips instead of unilaterally.

Patient position

• patient is supine
• lower limbs are internally rotated 15-25° from the hip (do not attempt this if a fracture is suspected)

Technical factors

• Anteroposterior projection
• Centering point
  • 2.5 cm distal to a line bisecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and symphysis pubis (over the femoral pulse)
• Collimation
  • laterally to the skin margins
  • superior to ASIS
  • inferior to the proximal third of the femur
• Orientation
  • portrait
• Detector Size
  • 24 cm x 30 cm
• Exposure
  • 70-80 kVp
  • 8-15 mAs
• SID
  • 100cm
• Grid
  • Yes

What is X-RAY HIP LAT?

The lateral hip view is a radiographic projection assessing the relationship of the femoral head to the acetabulum.

Indications

This view assesses the hip joint for any potential fractures, dislocations, bone lesions, or degenerative diseases (i.e. suspected osteoarthritis of the hip) in an orthogonal plane to the AP projection. As this particular projection involves rolling the patient onto the side of interest, it is hence not suitable for trauma situations.

Patient position

• the patient is rolled at least 45° onto the side of interest with a hip flexion of 90°
• the unaffected leg is bent to stabilize the patient position i.e. foot firm on the bed to ensure stability

Technical factors

• Lateral projection
• Centering point
  • the midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and pubic symphysis
• Collimation
  • anterior-posterior to include borders of the femur
  • superiorly to include acetabulum
  • inferior to include the proximal third of the femur
• Orientation
  • landscape
• Detector Size
  • 24 cm x 30 cm
• Exposure
  • 70-80 kVp
  • 10-18 mAs
• SID
  • 100cm
• Grid
  • Yes