Finding the right tests…
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Finding the right tests…
X-Ray
This is a single, wider film rather than a two-view study of each hip separately: one front-on image capturing the whole pelvic ring along with both hip joints together. It's the standard first view when a fall raises concern about the pelvis itself, not just one hip, or when hip or groin pain doesn't clearly point to a single side and a broader look is more useful than zooming in early. For a suspected hip fracture, this pelvis view paired with a focused lateral view of the affected hip is the standard combination before deciding on further imaging. Because the pelvis sits directly over the reproductive organs, mention if you are or might be pregnant before this X-ray.
One image covers the pelvic ring and both hip joints together, read for a fracture anywhere along the pelvis, joint space and alignment at both hips, and the overall shape and symmetry of the bones. It's a broader survey view rather than a focused two-angle study of a single hip.
Where a two-view hip study zooms in on one joint from two angles, this X-ray does the opposite: it stays at one angle but widens out to capture the entire pelvic ring and both hip joints in a single image. That trade-off makes it the more useful first film when an injury or pain pattern isn't clearly confined to one hip.
For an older adult with a suspected hip fracture after a fall, this pelvis view together with a focused lateral view of just the affected hip is described as the standard combination for initial diagnosis, even though the wider pelvis view alone isn't strictly required to confirm a fracture on the symptomatic side. It's mainly useful for spotting an unsuspected injury elsewhere in the pelvis and for planning treatment.
This view sits directly over the pelvis, which houses the reproductive organs, so it's specifically flagged as an area where a fetus could be exposed to more radiation than an X-ray of, say, an arm or ankle. Tell your doctor and the technologist if you are or might be pregnant so timing or precautions can be discussed with you directly.
This is a single wider image covering the whole pelvis and both hips together, rather than two separate close-up views per hip. Your doctor chooses whichever gives the more useful picture for your situation.
It's usually paired with a focused lateral view of the affected hip as the standard combination for assessing a suspected hip fracture, since it also shows whether the injury involves the wider pelvis.
A clear fracture is usually visible, but some fractures are subtle on plain X-ray. If suspicion remains high despite a normal-looking film, your doctor may order an MRI or CT, which are more sensitive for hidden fractures.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
Always tell your doctor and the technologist beforehand. This view is directly over the pelvis, which is why it's specifically flagged as an area needing extra care around radiation exposure during pregnancy.
Yes, that's part of why it's ordered instead of a narrower hip-only view, it can help show whether the source of pain sits in the hip joint itself or elsewhere in the pelvic bones.
Jewelry and clothing with metal near the belly or legs usually need to come off, and you may be asked to wear a gown. The technologist will tell you exactly what's needed.
The image itself takes just a few minutes to capture, though you may be asked to hold a position briefly for a clear picture.