Clinical Examination of the Hip

The hip history involves the standard medical history review components in addition to screening for hip related complaints with emphasis on function and activity. Primary systems of diagnosis have direct correlation of historical relevance, requiring a systematic approach to the history. The patient's function status can be defined by symptoms reported during rotation with load. Rotation sports commonly have been associated with injuries to the intra-articular structures, including the acetabular labrum and ligamentum teres. The twenty-point examination is a tool to help organize the structure of the physical examination. It will aid in the diagnosis or screening of the osseous, ligamentous, and musculotendonous pathological conditions. The physical exam is performed in three positions: the standing, sitting, lateral and supine examinations. A thorough evaluation takes time and thorough understanding of the anatomy.