Why might my child need a hip ultrasound?
Most often for a new limp, hip or groin pain, or a child who suddenly does not want to walk, particularly after a cold or viral illness. Ultrasound shows quickly whether there is fluid in the hip joint, which is the key question in a limping child.
When does my child need urgent care instead?
Go to A&E if your child cannot put any weight on the leg, has a high fever with hip pain, is unwell or very distressed, or an older child has hip, thigh or knee pain with a limp after a growth spurt.
A hot, painful hip with fever can be a joint infection, and hip or knee pain in a child aged ten to fifteen can be a slipped growth plate (SUFE); both need urgent hospital assessment.
What is irritable hip?
Irritable hip, or transient synovitis, is the most common cause of a sudden limp in children aged three to ten. The hip lining becomes inflamed, usually after a viral illness, causing pain and a limp. It is not serious and settles within one to two weeks with rest. Ultrasound shows a small amount of fluid in the joint, which supports the diagnosis.
Why is my child limping with no injury?
The most common cause is irritable hip after a viral illness. Other causes include a minor unnoticed injury, a splinter or verruca in the foot, and growth-related conditions. Less commonly a limp can be caused by a joint infection, Perthes disease or a slipped growth plate, which is why a limp that does not settle in a few days, or comes with fever, should be checked.
What is Perthes disease?
Perthes disease is a condition in children, usually aged four to eight, where the blood supply to the ball of the hip is temporarily disrupted. It causes a limp and hip or knee pain over weeks. Ultrasound may show fluid in the hip, but the diagnosis is made with an X-ray or MRI, which your specialist will arrange if it is suspected.
Can knee pain in a child come from the hip?
Yes. Hip problems in children, including a slipped growth plate (SUFE) in older children, often cause pain felt in the knee or thigh rather than the hip. That is why a child with knee pain and a limp but a normal knee should always have their hip checked.
What does the scan check for?
A child hip ultrasound examines:
- Fluid in the hip joint, compared with the other side
- The joint lining and the soft tissues around the hip
- The tendons and muscle attachments
- Any lump or swelling in the groin
Why ultrasound for a child’s hip rather than X-ray?
They answer different questions. X-ray shows bone and is needed for suspected fractures; ultrasound shows fluid, tendons, soft tissues and the cartilage of a growing joint, with no radiation at all. Your specialist will tell you if an X-ray or MRI is needed as well.
How long does irritable hip last?
Irritable hip usually improves within a few days and settles completely within one to two weeks with rest and simple pain relief. It can occasionally come back with a later viral illness, which is not a cause for concern on its own. If the limp lasts longer than a week or two, keeps returning, or your child develops a fever, they should be seen again.
Is a child hip ultrasound safe for my child?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and needs no needles or sedation. It is the recommended first test for many childhood lumps and joint problems precisely because it is so gentle, and it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed.
How long does a child hip ultrasound take?
The scan itself usually takes ten to twenty minutes. Allow around half an hour for the appointment, so there is time to settle your child and talk through the results.
How should I prepare my child for the scan?
No special preparation is needed: your child can eat and drink as normal. Explain simply that the scan uses a little cold jelly and a camera that does not hurt, dress them in clothes that are easy to lift or roll up, and bring a favourite toy or tablet if it helps.
When will we get the results?
You will know the findings before you leave, because the specialist explains them during the appointment. The written report is usually on your secure patient portal the same day, ready to share with your GP or paediatrician.
How much does a private child hip ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private child hip ultrasound costs £350, all fees inclusive: the scan, the specialist’s time and your written report. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available, with the results explained before you leave.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book a child hip ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for a child hip ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private child hip ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £350, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street child hip ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare. Your child can feed, eat, play and go back to nursery or school straight away. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, so it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed. If the results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it to you before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
