Hip ultrasound scan
Hip pain can affect how you walk, sleep and move through the day. A hip ultrasound looks at the soft tissues around the joint.
- Price
- £300 one side£450 both sides · £50 deposit
- Appointment
- 20 to 30 minutesIncluding consultation · scan 15 to 20 minutes
- Preparation
- None needed
- Report
- Usually within 24 hours
Who it's for
When a scan can help
This scan is for anyone with pain, stiffness or reduced mobility in one or both hips, whether from injury, arthritis, bursitis or soft tissue inflammation.
What it shows
The scan checks for
- Bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs around the joint) such as trochanteric bursitis
- Tendon tears or inflammation
- Hip joint fluid effusion or inflammation (fluid in the joint effusion and synovitis)
- Snapping hip syndrome
- Muscle strain or injury
- Post-surgical complications
- Swelling or abnormal lumps
What to expect
Your appointment
Before
No preparation is needed.
During
You’ll lie on your back or side. A clear gel is applied, and the specialist moves a probe over your hip. The scan is painless and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
After
You can return to your day straight afterwards. Your consultant explains what they have seen before you leave.
Who reads your scan
Consultant radiologists, specialists in this area
Your report
Your consultant talks you through what the scan shows while you are still in the room.
A written report follows, usually within 24 hours. If anything needs a closer look, we can arrange MRI, CT, blood tests or a specialist referral.
Frequently asked questions
Can an ultrasound detect hip problems
Yes, a scan helps look for the cause of hip pain, swelling, or movement issues, particularly for tendons, soft tissues, and bursae.
Why have a hip ultrasound?
A scan helps find the cause of hip pain, swelling, or movement issues. It’s especially useful for assessing tendons, soft tissues, and fluid-filled bursae, areas often missed on X-ray.
Sometimes further imaging such as MRI is necessary to assess the internal structures of the hip. Our specialists can decide whether further imaging is necessary and can arrange this for you at the time of the appointment.
What symptoms are related to hip conditions?
- Pain in the hip, groin, or upper thigh
- Stiffness or restricted movement
- Clicking or snapping when walking
- Swelling near the joint
- Pain that worsens with sitting or standing
- Weakness or instability
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if hip pain lasts more than a few days, affects your ability to walk, or disturbs your sleep. Get checked if the pain follows an injury or comes with swelling or fever.
Is it safe?
Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has no known side effects. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin and a handheld probe is moved gently over the area. You can return to your day straight afterwards.
Enquire or book
Tell us what you would like looked at and we will come back to you with times. You do not need a referral.