Accuracy of Ultrasound-Guided Intra-articular Hip Injections Performed in the Orthopedic Clinic

Intra-articular hip injections have proven clinical value for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Historically, these injections have been performed by radiologists using fluoroscopic guidance. This necessitates a radiology referral, delays the injection, and represents lost productivity for the orthopedist. Ultrasound-guided intra-articular hip injections have been described in the radiology literature with excellent accuracy. These injections were performed by radiologists. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of ultrasound-guided hip injections performed in the orthopedic clinic by orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic physician assistants. Fifty ultrasound-guided hip injections were performed using a standard technique. Contrast was included, and an anteroposterior pelvis radiograph was obtained immediately following injection. Diagnosis, body mass index, procedure time, and visual analog scale scores were recorded. Radiographs were reviewed independently by a musculoskeletal radiologist and an orthopedic surgeon to determine intra-articular placement of the injection. A total of 50 hips were injected. There was no identifiable contrast in 2 patients, leaving 48 hips for analysis. Of these, contrast was injected intra-articularly in 46 hips for an accuracy of 96%. Average procedural time was 2.6 minutes, and the average visual analog scale score was 1.9 during the procedure. Revenue value units ranged from 1.72–2.55 for ultrasound-guided hip injections. These findings indicate ultrasound-guided intra-articular hip injections performed in the orthopedic clinic by surgeons or physician assistants are accurate, efficient, and patient-friendly. Additionally, they preserve patient continuity and maintain productivity within the orthopedic clinic. [ Orthopedics. 2017; 40(2):96–100.]