Follow the algorithm step by step. Click on options to navigate through the decision tree.
Hip Pain Assessment
Hip Pain Assessment
Child or adolescent?
Adolescent (10-16), especially if obese?
Suspected SCFE — URGENT
Child age 4-10 with limp and hip/knee pain?
Suspected Perthes Disease
Fever, unable to weight-bear, hot joint?
Suspected Septic Arthritis — EMERGENCY
Transient Synovitis (Irritable Hip)
Fall in elderly patient? Unable to weight-bear?
Suspected Hip Fracture — EMERGENCY
Groin pain (true hip joint)? Reduced internal rotation?
Age >50, gradual onset, morning stiffness <30 min?
Hip Osteoarthritis
Risk factors for AVN? (Steroids, alcohol, SLE, sickle cell)
Suspected AVN of Femoral Head
Young active patient with clicking/catching in hip?
Hip Labral Tear / FAI
Lateral hip pain? Tender over greater trochanter?
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Medial groin pain with resisted adduction? Sports-related?
Adductor Strain / Groin Strain
Consider: Referred pain (spine, SI joint), stress fracture, hernia