The AP projection of the hip and proximal femur clearly demonstrates the acetabulum, femoral head, and neck, as well as the proximal femoral shaft, including portions of both the greater and lesser trochanters.

The lateral frog-leg view is commonly used in hip imaging because it offers an optimal visualization of the femoral head, neck, and trochanteric regions.

In the basic MRI protocol for hip and pelvis imaging, the scan extends from the iliac crests down to the lesser trochanter.

CT arthrography is valuable in hip imaging because the acetabular labrum is not typically visualized on conventional CT scans unless enhanced with contrast.

Radiographs are generally sufficient for diagnosing intra-articular soft tissue lesions in the hip joint.

The fusion of the tri-radiate cartilage in the pelvis generally occurs around the age of 17, with full fusion in the early twenties.

MRI is considered the imaging modality of choice for early detection of avascular necrosis of the femoral head due to its sensitivity in depicting marrow changes.

In evaluating the hip with MRI, the mnemonic “ABCDS” stands for Alignment, Bone, Cartilage, Edema, and Soft tissues.

In infants suspected of having developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), conventional radiographs are the preferred imaging modality because the hip ossification is fully developed at birth.