Table 1.

Pearls and Pitfalls of Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Hip Radiographs Prior to Hip Arthroscopy

Pearls	Pitfalls
Standardizing the radiographic views taken on all hip arthroscopy patients allows for consistent quantitative measurements during preoperative assessment.	Radiographic views of the hip joint demonstrate osseous anatomy but do not provide the soft-tissue detail of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Radiographic views must be performed in a similar manner and by a similar protocol to ensure quantitative measurements are accurate.	Nonstandardized or incomplete x-ray protocols may result in the inability to perform a thorough evaluation of the hip joint.
X-ray evaluation of the hip joint is an affordable and cost-effective methodology of radiographic assessment.	X-ray evaluation does expose the patient to ionizing radiation.
Radiographs can be taken relatively quickly during or prior to an orthopaedic clinic appointment, thereby not disrupting the flow of clinic.	Standard radiographs are often required prior to insurance approval of more advanced imaging modalities, such as computed tomography scan or MRI.