APEX Hip Enhancing Clinical Expertise and Proficiency (November 2023)-Diagnostic Work-Up for Hip Injuries

Diagnostic Work-Up for Hip Injuries - History, Exam, Imaging, Injections

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this Anna Apex hip course, Thomas Bird discusses the complexity of diagnosing and treating hip problems, emphasizing femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) as a common underlying issue often developing since childhood. He highlights challenges including compensatory muscle issues, overlapping pelvic and lumbar spine disorders, and difficulty in pinpointing symptoms due to referred pain patterns. Bird stresses the importance of a thorough clinical exam, careful interpretation of imaging—favoring minimalist x-rays and selective use of MRIs and CT scans—and the value of ultrasound-guided injections for diagnosis and therapy. He notes that many hip abnormalities on imaging may be incidental, so clinical correlation is vital. Successful treatment often requires a multidisciplinary team, particularly collaboration with physical therapists to address compensatory mechanisms. Ultimately, understanding multifactorial hip pathology and individualized patient care, supported by teamwork, leads to the best outcomes.

Asset Caption

J.W. Thomas Byrd, M.D.

Keywords

femoroacetabular impingement

hip diagnosis

compensatory muscle issues

multidisciplinary treatment

imaging interpretation