Hip (AP view)

Last revised by Andrew Murphy on 23 Mar 2023

The AP hip is part of a radiographic series examining the anatomy of the hip joint and proximal femur.

This view helps to visualize any potential fractures, dislocations, bone lesions or degenerative diseases to the hip joint. It is also often requested in post-operative examinations evaluating the placement of existing orthopedic devices. However, certain departments may favor the AP pelvis as it allows comparisons of both hips instead of unilaterally.

  • patient is supine
  • lower limbs are internally rotated 15-25° from the hip (do not attempt this if a fracture is suspected)
  • anteroposterior projection
  • centering point
  • collimation
    • laterally to the skin margins
    • superior to ASIS
    • inferior to the proximal third of the femur
  • orientation  
    • portrait
  • detector size
    • 24 cm x 30 cm
  • exposure
    • 70-80 kVp
    • 8-15 mAs
  • SID
    • 100 cm
  • grid
    • yes
  • the entirety of the hip and proximal femur are seen on the image with the long axis of the femur running parallel to the long axis of the image
  • greater trochanter should be seen in profile signifying adequate internal rotation of the limb 

Internal rotation can be assisted with the use of sandbags over the lateral edges of the patient's feet. 

If one obturator foramen appears ‘closed’, the patient could be rotated away from the image receptor on that side. 

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.