Ultrasound IrelandMedical & Maternity Ultrasound Centers
01 210 0232

Hip & Groin Ultrasound Scan

Hip Pain & Groin Strain Scan|€170(Medical Card: €150)(Duration: 20-30 minutes)
Preparation:No special preparation required
Results:Radiologist report sent within 2-3 working days

What Is a Hip & Groin Ultrasound Scan?

Hip and groin pain has many possible sources, and ultrasound is the best first test for the ones that sit outside the joint: the gluteal tendons and bursa on the outer hip, the iliopsoas tendon at the front, the adductor muscles of the groin, and the hamstring origin under the sitting bone. Groin and adductor strains are among the most common injuries in Gaelic games and soccer, and this scan is a routine part of getting them properly assessed. It is part of our musculoskeletal ultrasound service.

Ultrasound is particularly useful for "snapping hip" — because the scan is dynamic, we can watch the tendon snap over bone as you move your leg and confirm exactly what is snapping. For a lump in the groin, ultrasound identifies whether it is a hernia, an enlarged lymph node, a cyst, or something else; suspected hernias get a dedicated dynamic assessment on our Hernia Ultrasound Scan.

The honest limitation: the hip joint itself lies deep, and ultrasound cannot see the labrum or the joint cartilage. Groin pain that comes from inside the joint — labral tears, early arthritis, impingement — needs X-ray and/or MRI. Ultrasound can detect fluid in the hip joint, but if your symptoms point inside the joint, the consultant radiologist's report will recommend the right test.

What We Assess With This Scan

  • Gluteal tendons and trochanteric bursa (outer hip pain)
  • Iliopsoas tendon and snapping hip (assessed dynamically)
  • Adductor (groin) muscle and tendon injuries
  • Hamstring origin (pain under the sitting bone)
  • Fluid in the hip joint (effusion)
  • Lumps in the groin — distinguishing hernias, lymph nodes, and cysts
  • Meralgia paraesthetica — assessing the nerve at the front of the thigh

This scan cannot assess:

  • Inside the hip joint — the labrum and joint cartilage need MRI (sometimes with contrast injection)
  • Early hip arthritis (X-ray is the standard first test)
  • Bone stress injuries of the femoral neck (MRI)

Why You Might Need This Scan

Common symptoms:

  • •Pain on the outside of the hip, worse lying on that side
  • •A snapping or clicking sensation at the front of the hip
  • •Groin pain after sport or a sudden strain
  • •Pain deep under the buttock when sitting
  • •A lump or swelling in the groin
  • •Burning or tingling on the front or outer thigh

Conditions we assess:

  • •Gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric bursitis (greater trochanteric pain syndrome)
  • •Snapping hip (internal and external)
  • •Adductor and groin strains
  • •Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
  • •Hip joint effusion
  • •Groin lumps including hernias (see our dedicated hernia scan)
  • •Meralgia paraesthetica

What to Expect

Before Your Scan

No special preparation is needed.

Preparation checklist:

  • Wear loose trousers or shorts with an elastic waist
  • Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time

During the Scan

You'll lie on an examination table — on your back for the front of the hip and groin, and on your side for the outer hip. Warm gel is applied and the probe is moved over the area. For snapping hip, you'll be asked to move your leg through the motion that triggers the snap so we can watch it happen in real time. The scan takes 20-30 minutes.

After Your Scan

You can return to normal activities immediately.

Results & Next Steps

Your scan is reviewed by a consultant radiologist, who prepares a formal report. This report is sent to your referring doctor within 2-3 working days. Please note: our sonographers cannot provide verbal results on the day.

Pricing

Price: €170 (Medical Card: €150)

Cancellation: We require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

Ready to Book?

Available 7 days a week across our three Dublin locations.

Call 01 210 0232Make an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

No — the labrum sits deep inside the hip joint where ultrasound cannot see. A suspected labral tear needs MRI, sometimes with a contrast injection (MR arthrogram). If your symptoms or scan findings point inside the joint, the report will recommend this.
The most common cause is gluteal tendinopathy, often with inflammation of the overlying trochanteric bursa — together called greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Ultrasound shows the tendons and bursa directly and confirms the diagnosis.
Usually not, but it's worth explaining. Snapping is most often a tendon flicking over a bony prominence — the iliopsoas at the front or the ITB at the side. Ultrasound is the ideal test because we can watch the snap happen and confirm which tendon is responsible.
Both are common and they can feel similar. A strain typically follows activity and is tender over the muscle; a hernia often causes a bulge that appears with standing or coughing. This scan assesses the muscles and tendons; if a hernia is the question, our dedicated Hernia Ultrasound Scan includes the standing and straining manoeuvres that reveal one.
Hip ultrasound for babies and children — including developmental dysplasia checks — is provided through our paediatric ultrasound service. Please mention your child's age when booking.
A GP or physiotherapist referral is recommended as it provides useful clinical context. If you don't have one, please contact us to discuss your situation.
Your images are reviewed by a consultant radiologist and a formal report is sent within 2-3 working days.

Ready to Book Your Scan?

Our experienced team is available 7 days a week across our three Dublin locations.

Make an AppointmentCall 01 210 0232