Sonographically guided arthrocentesis of the hip.

High-resolution real-time sonography not only provides a noninvasive means of diagnosing hip effusions, but also provides easy access for arthrocentesis. Nineteen sonographically guided hip arthrocentesis were performed in 18 patients. In 13 of 19 patients aspirated, capsular distension was present. In 10 of 19 patients, fluid could be aspirated from the joint space (volume varying from 1 to 9 mL). Saline lavage was performed in 12 of the 19 joints needled. Intra-articular location was confirmed by observation during distension on real-time images or by successful aspiration. Sonographically guided arthrocentesis has potential advantages over conventional fluoroscopic techniques. These include a lack of ionizing radiation, superior visualization of needle location within the joint capsule, and the ability to diagnose soft tissue and periarticular abnormalities generally not seen fluoroscopically.