Diagnosis

Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination prior to diagnosis. You will be asked about your general health status and any prior injuries or diseases. An in-depth examination of your hip and evaluation of your symptoms will be completed. It will be helpful to precisely describe your symptoms during your office visit.

Your doctor will order imaging tests to help confirm your diagnosis. These may include:

• X-rays: X-rays may indicate abnormal shapes of the hip bones. X-rays also help detect the presence of arthritis.
• Computed tomography (CT): CT scans help provide more information about the structure of your hips and pelvis.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI scans can detect damage to the cartilage or labrum of the hip. A dye may be injected during the exam to make the MRI scan more precise.

These tests help in diagnosing the hip problem and also help your doctor decide the most effective treatment plan for you.