Radiographic Evaluation of Bones and Joints of the Lower Limb

Radiographic Anatomy of the Hip Joint

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket synovial joint where the femoral head articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis. It plays a crucial role in weight-bearing and movement.

Anteroposterior (AP) View

The AP view provides an overview of hip joint alignment, femoral head positioning, and acetabular coverage. Key anatomical landmarks include:

• Femoral head and neck
• Greater and lesser trochanters
• Acetabulum and pelvic contour

Lateral View

The lateral view (or frog-leg view) emphasizes femoral head morphology and joint congruency. It is particularly useful in evaluating femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and fractures.

Common Pathologies Detected

• Hip fractures (including femoral neck fractures)
• Osteoarthritis and joint space narrowing
• Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

Importance of Radiographic Evaluation

Radiographic assessment helps clinicians in diagnosing hip-related conditions, determining treatment strategies, and guiding surgical interventions. Proper positioning and technique are critical for accurate imaging.