Hip examination

Hip examination is a physical examination procedure performed by healthcare professionals to assess the hip joint for injury or disease. It is an important part of the musculoskeletal examination and is performed in a systematic manner to detect any abnormalities.

Indications

Hip examination is indicated in patients presenting with hip pain, reduced range of motion, or any other hip-related symptoms. It is also performed as part of a routine physical examination in certain populations, such as athletes and the elderly.

Procedure

The hip examination involves several steps:

Inspection

The examiner inspects the hip for any visible abnormalities such as swelling, deformity, or skin changes.

Palpation

The examiner palpates the hip joint to assess for tenderness, warmth, or any abnormal masses.

Range of Motion

The examiner assesses the range of motion of the hip joint. This includes flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation.

Special Tests

Several special tests may be performed to assess for specific hip conditions. These include the FABER test, the Trendelenburg test, and the Thomas test.

Interpretation

The findings of the hip examination can help to diagnose a variety of hip conditions, including osteoarthritis, hip fracture, hip dislocation, and hip bursitis.

See Also

• Physical examination
• Musculoskeletal examination
• Knee examination
• Ankle examination