XR - HIP AP VIEW

The Hip AP (Anteroposterior) View X-ray is a specific diagnostic tool that assesses the skeletal structures of the hip joint and its surrounding areas. It consists of a front and elevated back view X-ray of the hips, which helps determine the condition of the joint. 

What is a Hip AP View X-ray? 

This is a specific type of X-ray that captures a Hip AP View X-ray. It uses an X-ray machine as a source of internal imaging of the bones of the hip. An X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation that can pass through the body, but like most radiation, is absorbed by bones. The X-ray beam hits the hip bone head region in an anterior direction and the film or digital image is taken posterior to the airplane of the beam. 

Types of Hip X-rays 

Generally, there are many more types of hip x-rays that may be prescribed including: 

• AP (Anteroposterior)-taken from the front to back of the body. 
• Lateral view- taken from one side of the body. 
• Oblique view- taken in an angle to the hip joint. 

List of Parameters Considered During the Hip AP View X-ray

In the examination, the radiologist will assess the hip joint and adjacent bones for: 

• Acetabulum and the femoral head position and alignment. 
• Joint narrowing or widening. 
• Bone texture and density. 
• Fractures, dislocations and other abnormalities. 

Reasons for Having a Hip AP View X-Ray

A Hip AP View X Ray is usually ordered to: 

• Examine hip fractures or dislocations. 
• Evaluate degenerative joint diseases. 
• Assess post-surgical or post-injury conditions of the hip joint. 
• Follow up on conditions like hip dysplasia, or femoroacetabular impingement. 

When and Who Needs to Take a Hip AP View X-ray? 

A Hip AP View X-ray is usually recommended for an individual who has some sort of pain in the hip area, such as discomfort, stiffness or limited range of motion. It is often used to: 

• Assess fractures or dislocations of the hip 
• Diagnose degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis 
• Analyse post-surgical or traumatic injury in the hip region 
• Inspect the development of hip dysplasia and femoroacetabular impingement syndrome 

It is typically recommended for patients who can present with the following: 

• Trauma on the hip or on the regions that are supports the hip joint 
• Sudden and sharp pain on the hip 
• Increased stiffness and soreness on the hip joint region 
• Problems with ambulating such as range of motion restrictions or walking issues 

Benefits of Taking the Test

It is a simple and non-invasive test that is done to the patient's hip or surrounding bones and structures, thus helpful in diagnosing and monitoring many conditions and making treatment choices. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with Hip AP View X-ray

Some of the common conditions that may be diagnosed using the Anterior Pelvic View Xray are: 

• Osteoarthritis 
• Bone tumours and Cysts 
• Hip Fractures or Dislocations 
• Hip Subluxation 
• Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome 

Preparing for the Hip AP View X-ray

Patients should: 

• Take off all jewellery and other metallic objects before the examination. 
• Discuss any known medical health problems and allergies with the technologist. 
• Put on comfortable clothes that are not tight-fitting. 

Pre-requisites 

There are no specific prerequisites for the Anterior Pelvic View Xray with the exception that patients may be asked to: 

• Not eat for given amount of time before test 
• Refrain from taking some medications and performing certain activities 

Best Time to Take the Hip AP View X-ray 

In the absence of any reasons the examination may be done at any time. However, in most cases, it is best to request the test after periods when a hip joint was painful. 

Eligibility 

There are no specific criteria for recommending the Anterior Pelvic View Xray, having said this, patients who experience pain and stiffness in the hip region are almost always recommended. Regardless of the criteria, it is advisable that patients tell the doctor or health care provider if they have any medical issues or questions. 

Procedure for Taking a Hip AP View X-ray 

The entire process should not take longer than 10 to 15 minutes and involves the following steps: 

1. The patient is placed in the correct position on the x-ray table so that imaging of the region of interest can be performed. 
2. The x-ray department staff prepares the x-ray machine and captures the image. 
3. The patient may be instructed to suspend breath or refrain from moving for a few seconds. 
4. The x-ray images are checked by the radiologist. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Patients should declare to the technologist: 

• Any history of complications or sensitization to drugs. 
• Any constituents or devices, metallic in nature, which may be situated within the hip joint. 
• Injuries or trauma to the hip joint within the past few days.