Which projections are standard for evaluating the hip after trauma?

• A. AP pelvis and frog-leg lateral hip view
• B. AP pelvis and lateral hip view
• C. AP pelvis and PA hip view
• D. AP pelvis and cross-table (lateral) hip view

Answer: (D)

When evaluating the hip after trauma, you want to image both the pelvis and the hip with a true lateral view, without moving the patient too much. An AP pelvis shot gives a broad look at the pelvic ring and both hip joints, helping to detect pelvis fractures, acetabular issues, and overall alignment. The cross-table (or horizontal) lateral hip view then provides a true side view of the injured hip, showing the femoral head and neck in relation to the acetabulum and revealing dislocations or fractures that might be missed on AP alone. Because patients are often in pain or have other injuries, this lateral view is obtained with the patient supine and without repositioning the injured leg, minimizing movement and further harm. This combination—AP pelvis plus cross-table lateral hip—offers the most reliable initial assessment of hip injuries in trauma.