A pelvis and hip X-ray is a scan that shows your hip joints and pelvic bones.
Your doctor may request it after a fall, hip pain, groin pain, limping, or trouble walking. It is often one of the first tests used to check for a hip fracture or arthritis.
Common Indications for Pelvis and Hip X-Ray
- Hip or groin pain
- Fall or injury, especially in an older adult
- Limping or difficulty walking
- Suspected hip or pelvic fracture
- Arthritis or joint wear
- Checking a hip replacement or metal implant
What exactly does a pelvis and hip X-ray show?
It shows the pelvic bones, hip sockets, top ends of the thigh bones, and joint spaces. It can show fractures, arthritis, dislocation, implant position, and some bone changes.
How should I prepare for a pelvis and hip X-ray?
You usually do not need to fast. Wear clothing that is easy to remove around the waist and hips. You may need to remove belts, zips, wallets, jewelry, or clothing with metal parts.
Do I need to stop taking medication?
No. Keep taking your usual medication unless your referring doctor tells you otherwise.
What happens when I arrive for my scan?
The radiographer will confirm which hip or pelvic area needs imaging. If moving is painful, tell the team before they position you.
How is the procedure performed?
You will usually lie on the X-ray table. The radiographer will position your pelvis and legs carefully, then take a front view and any focused hip views needed.
How long does a pelvis and hip X-ray take?
The scan usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It may take longer if movement is painful or extra images are needed.
Is there any discomfort?
No. The X-ray itself is painless. If your hip or pelvis is injured, turning the leg or lying flat may hurt briefly.
Are there risks?
A pelvis and hip X-ray uses a small amount of radiation. Because this area is close to reproductive organs, the team takes care to use only the needed views.
Can children have this scan?
Yes. Children can have this scan for injury, limping, hip pain, or developmental hip concerns. The radiographer adjusts the technique for age and size.
Can I have this scan if I am pregnant?
Pregnancy Precaution
Tell your doctor or radiographer if you are pregnant or think you might be because this examination directly exposes the pelvis. A non-urgent scan may be delayed or replaced, but suspected serious injury still needs prompt imaging; the referrer and radiology team will select and optimise the test after balancing benefit and risk.
When will I get my results?
A radiologist will review the images and send a report to your referring doctor. Urgent injury results may be acted on quickly.
What should I ask before choosing a centre?
If the X-ray is for a fall, suspected fracture, severe pain, or inability to walk, choose a centre attached to a hospital or a facility that can escalate you quickly after imaging. For routine arthritis or follow-up X-rays, ask whether the centre can provide standing or focused hip views if your doctor requested them.
Before you go, confirm the price, report turnaround time, and whether you should bring old X-rays for comparison. If you have a hip replacement or metal implant, tell the radiographer before the scan so the correct views are taken.
What if the scan finds something?
Your referring doctor will explain the result and what happens next. You may need pain treatment, orthopaedic care, surgery, physiotherapy, or another scan for more detail.
What can this X-ray miss?
Plain X-rays show bone and alignment well but may miss a small, non-displaced, stress, or early fracture. They also provide limited information about cartilage, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other soft tissues. Persistent focal pain, inability to use the limb, or worsening symptoms after a normal X-ray needs clinical reassessment; repeat X-rays, CT, MRI, or ultrasound may be appropriate.
Seek urgent care rather than waiting for a routine report if there is an open wound over a suspected fracture, severe deformity, rapidly increasing swelling, loss of feeling or movement, or a limb that becomes pale, blue, or cold.
Questions to ask your care team
- What clinical question should this X-ray answer, and will the result change my treatment?
- Could an important injury or condition be missed on a plain X-ray, and what symptoms would justify repeat X-rays, ultrasound, CT, or MRI?
- Are special views needed, such as standing, weight-bearing, comparison, or low-dose views?
- When and how will I receive the radiologist's report, and who will explain the next step?
Sources and further reading
Conclusion
A pelvis and hip X-ray is a useful first test for hip pain, falls, and walking difficulty. To make the visit smoother, tell the team before the scan if turning your leg is too painful.