Abstract
Purpose: To assess the difference in the sonographic appearance of hip effusions when the hip was placed in the extended and abducted position as compared to a neutral position.
Material and Methods: Twenty-one consecutive children (aged 2–14 years) with hip pain or limping were examined for hip effusions by means of ultrasound. The capsule-femoral-neck distance, the presence of joint fluid, and the shape of the anterior capsule were compared in hips in slight extension and abduction with those in hips in a neutral position.
Results: Of the 11 positive hip effusions, the maximal distance between the capsule and femoral neck was significantly larger (p < 0.005) in the extended and abducted hip position than in the neutral hip position, with a mean difference of 1.6 mm. Convex bulging of the anterior capsule was more confidently diagnosed in 3 hip effusions in the extended and abducted hip, and better visualization of fluid between the capsule and femoral neck was achieved in 4 joints in this posture.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated an improvement in the sonographic detection of hip effusion in the extended and abducted postition compared to the neutral position.
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