A cross-sectional scan of the hip joint with optional 3D reconstruction. It detects fractures, osteoarthritis and other bone changes more accurately than a plain X-ray.
- Duration5 minutes
- Contrastnot required
- Preparationnone
- Report30 min – 1 hour
What it shows
- intra-articular fractures, fractures of the femoral neck and ilium, cracks
- dislocation, subluxation, joint instability
- hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis)
- avascular necrosis of the femoral head
- fluid, blood or pus in the joint
- tumours of bone, cartilage and surrounding soft tissues
- foreign bodies around the joint
When it is recommended
- injury to the hip area, suspected fracture
- hip pain, restricted movement
- suspected hip osteoarthritis
- joint involvement in rheumatoid or infectious arthritis
- preparation for hip replacement
- monitoring fracture healing
Good to know
- Pain in the hip area can come from the lumbosacral spine, so it is worth seeing a doctor before the scan.
- MRI is better for early avascular necrosis of the femoral head and for ligament and cartilage damage.
General information about CT — safety, contraindications, contrast and what to expect — is on the CT page.