Aim: We demonstrate a technique for examining the hip joint sonographically
in a standardised way using sectional planes corresponding to the guidelin
es provided by the work group "Sonography of the Musculo-Skeletal System" o
f the German Society of Ultrasound (DEGUM). MRT-scans were used as a compar
ative standard. Method: The ultrasound examination was performed in the fol
lowing standardised way: a transversal and longitudinal scan were done in t
he Ventral region and additionally a longitudinal scan in the lateral regio
n. In cases without pathological findings two standardised planes should be
documented. In the case of pathological findings the picture should be doc
umented in two standardised planes and compared to the corresponding contra
lateral site. An ultrasound examination standardised in this way facilitate
s a precise assessment of the ventral joint capsule, the bone structures, t
he ventral and lateral aspects of the glenoid cavity and the peri-articular
soft tissue structures of the hip joint. Results: An examination technique
is presented which offers additional pictorial information, saves costs an
d is not harmful to the patient. Conclusion: The ultrasound examination of
the hip joint can supply additional information about diseases and traumati
c changes in this region. In paediatric hip disorders such as transient syn
ovitis, septic arthritis, juvenile arthritis, Leg-Calve-Perthes disease and
slipped femoral epiphysis, the ultrasound examination can provide importan
t additional information for the initial differential diagnosis and during
follow-up.