What causes hip and groin pain?

Hip and groin pain is a common presentation with a wide differential diagnosis. The location of the pain — anterior (groin), lateral (outer hip), or posterior (buttock) — is the most important clue to the underlying cause.

When does hip or groin pain need a scan?

A hip ultrasound scan is appropriate when:

• Hip or groin pain has persisted for more than 4–6 weeks without improvement
• There is localised tenderness over the greater trochanter (outer hip) or groin
• You are being considered for a corticosteroid injection into the hip joint, iliopsoas bursa, or trochanteric bursa
• You have a suspected inguinal or femoral hernia — ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis and assess reducibility
• Your physiotherapist or GP wants imaging to guide management

What does a hip ultrasound show?

A hip ultrasound at Sonoworld assesses:

• Hip joint — effusion (fluid in the joint), synovial thickening
• Iliopsoas tendon and bursa — tendinopathy, bursitis, and snapping hip (coxa saltans interna)
• Greater trochanteric region — gluteal tendinopathy (supraspinatus and infraspinatus of the hip), trochanteric bursitis
• Adductor tendons — tendinopathy and tears at the pubic attachment
• Inguinal and femoral regions — hernia assessment

Frequently asked questions

Is a hip ultrasound scan painful?

No. The scan is entirely painless.

Can ultrasound diagnose a hip labral tear?

Ultrasound has limited sensitivity for labral tears. MRI arthrography (MRI with contrast injection into the joint) is the gold-standard investigation for suspected labral pathology. However, ultrasound can identify associated findings such as hip joint effusion and iliopsoas pathology.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can book directly at Sonoworld without a GP referral.