Lateral approach to an intra-articular hip injection

Submitted by Rainier Guiang, M.D.

Post Contrast Injection

Technique:

With the patient in supine position, a lateral image is obtained centered upon the head of the femur. After local infiltration, a long spinal needle is advanced to the exact center of the "ball" of the femoral head. Once os is contacted, the needle is advanced cephalad into the joint. This avoids the infero-lateral aspect of the acetabulum and the superior aspect of the greater trochanter. Confirmation of needle placement is seen in the AP view. Contrast dye is then injected.