When should you consult for hip pain ?
Persistent hip pain should never be dismissed. Whether it occurs in the groin, buttock, or knee, it may indicate underlying joint or tendon pathology. An accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent adverse outcomes.
Dr. Coulin recommends a specialist consultation as soon as the pain becomes chronic, after trauma, or if it is accompanied by limping, stiffness or loss of mobility.
What can cause hip pain ?
The origins are varied and depend on age, level of activity and context (traumatic or not). In young adults, it may be a femoro-acetabular conflict (hip joint), a lesion of the labrum (fibrous cartilage ring) or a muscular or tendinous pathology.
In older patients, osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis) is a common cause, but other diagnoses should also be considered: necrosis, bursitis, tendinopathy or even stress fracture.
What tests are needed to understand the origin of the pain ?
During the consultation, Dr. Coulin begins with a detailed interview and a targeted clinical examination. The goal is to identify signs of joint or extra-articular pain, as well as aggravating factors (exertion, walking, stairs, etc.). Imaging tests are then prescribed to refine the diagnosis:
1. X-ray of the pelvis and hip
A first-line examination, it allows the condition of the joint surfaces and bone alignment to be analyzed and osteoarthritis or a morphological abnormality to be detected.
2. Hip MRI
Essential for exploring soft tissues (cartilage, labrum, tendons) and detecting lesions invisible on X-rays.
3. Scanner / Arthro-scanner
Used in case of doubt about the bone structure or for a fine evaluation of the labrum and cartilage with intra-articular injection.
4. Ultrasound
Complementary, it targets the peri-articular tendons and bursae, also useful for guiding a diagnostic infiltration.
What these tests reveal
The tests allow us to distinguish :
- Intra-articular pathology : such as osteoarthritis, labral lesions, femoroacetabular impingement or necrosis
- An extra-articular cause : gluteal tendinopathy, bursitis, or pain of lumbar origin projecting towards the hip
Hip pain is sometimes multifactorial. This is why cross-analysis between clinical examination and imaging is essential to avoid missing a combined diagnosis.
A tailor-made approach with Dr. Coulin
Each patient presents a unique situation. Through a rigorous approach, combining physical examination, advanced imaging, and attentive listening, Dr. Coulin identifies the precise origin of hip pain in order to provide appropriate treatment: medical treatment, targeted injections, rehabilitation, or, if necessary, conservative or prosthetic surgery.
Are you suffering from a painful hip ?
Dr. Coulin will see you in Geneva to make a clear diagnosis and guide you towards the most appropriate treatment based on your profile, your expectations and your mobility objectives.
