Hip & Upper Thigh Scan

£119

This scan is available to men & women from the age of 16 years.

The hip is one of the body’s largest and most complex joints, surrounded by muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bursae that support movement and stability. Pain in the hip, outer thigh, or buttock can arise from issues within the joint itself or from surrounding soft tissues. In some cases, hip discomfort may even originate from the lower back or pelvis, making accurate diagnosis essential.

An MSK scan of the hip & upper thigh uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of soft tissues, including tendons, muscles, bursae, and ligament structures. It is a safe, non-invasive way to gain insight into the cause of pain, inflammation, and injuries. This scan is also commonly used to examine joint conditions and, in infants, to assess for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

With Ultrasound Care, a private Hip & Upper Thigh Scan is available for men and women aged 16 and over. All ultrasound scans are performed by experienced sonographers across our clinics.

The Purpose of A Hip & Upper Thigh Scan

A hip & upper thigh scan is often recommended for those who have been getting pain during movement, swelling or weakness in this area. An ultrasound scan can help to identify:

Muscle strains or tears
Tendon inflammation or injuries (tendinitis)
Fluid collections or swelling
Bursitis (Inflammation or irritation of the fluid filled scan between tissue)
Arthritis
Soft tissue masses or cysts
Inflammation around the hip joint
Abnormalities in muscles or connective tissues

During the scan, we will assess the joint, tendons, muscles, ligaments, iliopsoas (anterior hip muscle) and trochanteric bursae (fluid filled sac near the joint).

Signs You May Need a Hip & Upper Thigh Scan

You may benefit from a hip & upper thigh scan if you have been experiencing:

Pain on the outside of the hip or down the outer thigh
Pain in the buttock or groin area
Discomfort during walking, running, or climbing stairs
Stiffness or limited range of movement in the hip
Tenderness over the hip or upper thigh
Swelling or warmth around the hip joint
Symptoms following a fall, strain, or sports injury
Clicking, catching, or instability of the hip
Persistent hip pain not improving with rest

Because hip discomfort can originate from the lower back or pelvis, ultrasound scans help to distinguish the source of your symptoms.

Who Would Benefit from a Hip & Thigh Scan?

Having a private hip & thigh scan is ideal for:

Individuals with persistent hip or thigh pain
Athletes with suspected tendon or muscle injuries
People with bursitis or outer hip pain
Those with suspected arthritis or joint inflammation
Individuals recovering from falls or trauma
Anyone experiencing swelling or fluid around the hip
Patients needing evaluation of soft tissue lumps near the hip or thigh

Hip & Upper Thigh Scan Procedure

Whilst there is no preparation needed for this scan, we do ask that all jewellery is removed beforehand. You are also recommended to wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be rearranged to give access to the hip and upper thigh area. You may be asked to change into a gown for easier access before your appointment.

During your ultrasound examination:

The sonographer will discuss your symptoms and medical history.
You may be asked to lie on your back or side for optimal access to the hip.
A water-based gel will be applied to the area.
The ultrasound probe will be moved across the hip and upper thigh to examine tendons, muscles, ligaments, bursae, and the joint capsule.
Dynamic movements may be performed, such as rotating or lifting the leg, to assess how structures function during motion.

The scan is comfortable, non-invasive, and typically takes 20–25 minutes.

Following your scan, our sonographer will review the images and explain any findings to you. You will also receive a full report along with all of your medical imaging to take away and discuss further with your GP. It is then your responsibility to share these results with your healthcare provider; we do not communicate directly with your doctor or manage your ongoing care.