X-Ray Hip Unilateral 2-3V
Also known as Hip X-ray series
X-raying Basics
A unilateral hip X-ray is an imaging exam that examines the pelvic bone and joint of the hip. The hip joint, where the pelvis is attached to the legs, is a ball and socket synovial joint. It connects the pelvic acetabulum and the top of the femur and allows movement of the mid-body.
Doctors commonly order unilateral hip X-rays in cases of suspected fractures and dislocations. Unilateral hip X-rays are ordered only in trauma cases where it is clear that only one side has been affected. Usually, this procedure consists of 2 or 3 views depending on your condition and its cause.
Why do you need this X-ray?
A hip unilateral 2-3 X-ray is most commonly done to detect a broken hip bone or dislocated hip joint. Also, doctors can use this procedure to identify tumors, bone cysts, hip joint infections, and other hip-related bone diseases.
Doctors prescribe elderly patients before undergoing hip replacement surgery to have this procedure done before their operation to plan for their surgery. It is also ordered after the surgery to check the operation results.
When do you need to get it?
Your doctor may order a unilateral hip X-ray if you have any of the following symptoms.
● trauma
● hip pain
● abnormal gait
● inability to bear weight
● arthropathy
● knee pain
● limping
● pain and tenderness
● swelling
● deformity in the hip area
Do you need to prepare for the X-ray?
This procedure doesn't require any special preparation. Inform your physician if you have a metal or surgically implanted device. Metal objects in the body can interfere with the X-ray, but your doctor may still choose to continue with the exam.
The X-ray technician will ask you to don a hospital gown before the procedure; however, this is usually unnecessary for a femur X ray. You will also have to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures as they can interfere with the X-ray image.
It is also critical to tell the doctor if you may be pregnant since fetuses are more susceptible to radiation from X-rays. The doctor or technician will thus use a protective lead apron over your midsection if you are pregnant.
What can you expect from this X-ray?
A unilateral hip X-ray can consist of 2 or 3 views depending on your condition and your doctor's request.
1. AP view: This view shows the hip joint in the anteroposterior plane. This projection is also known as the frontal view. This view is often only performed in follow-up studies after hip replacement surgeries or after a fracture has healed to check if the bone is fully aligned. This view is taken with the legs straight; the joint is internally rotated so that a side view of the femoral neck is seen.
2. Lateral view: This view is a hip projection taken from the side and demonstrates the neck of the femur and acetabular rim. This view is typically ideal for non-trauma cases. The lateral view projection is taken with you sitting with your knees apart and feet touching or with one knee over the other. The lateral projection of the unilateral hip X-ray allows doctors to visualize the hip joints and femoral neck better.
3. Lowenstein Lateral view: This view is a type of lateral view and is rarely used to diagnose fractures. For this view, the technician will ask you to lie down and turn onto the affected hip at 45 degrees. The Lowenstein view allows a better view of the femoral shaft and the hip joint since the images are taken vertically from the groin. Thus, this is used to diagnose arthritis of the hip joint.
What do your X-ray results mean?
Once taken, the X-ray technician will give your X-rays to a radiologist who is a medical professional specially trained in reading and interpreting radiographs. The radiologist will then write out a report which they will share with your primary physician.
Your primary physician will then discuss the results of your hip X-ray with you. A treatment plan for your femur injury will begin once the doctor has determined if you have a fractured or dislocated bone or joint, arthritis, or osteomyelitis.
Related X-rays:
Hip Bilateral 3-4V, Hip Unilateral 4V, Hip Bilateral 5V
Frequently ordered together
X-Ray Hip Preoperative
X-Ray Hip 1 View
X-Ray Hips Both 2 Views
X-Ray Hip 2 Views
X-Ray Hip Unilateral 4V
X-Ray Hip Bilateral 3-4V
X-Ray Hip Bilateral 5V
150.00$
150.00$
185.00$
150.00$
150.00$
150.00$
150.00$
