Hip Algorithm

An interactive decision flowchart for hip complaints. After red flag screening it works through recent trauma or a fall with severe loss of function, the patellar-pubic percussion test for occult fracture, constant low back or ipsilateral gluteal pain, reported clicking or locking, pain on passive hip abduction, and a positive Trendelenburg sign with gluteus medius or minimus weakness. It separates hip fracture, hip osteoarthritis, intra-articular and labral pathology, lateral gluteal tendinopathy, specialist referral, and the hip being an unlikely source.

Written for qualified clinicians. The tool supports clinical reasoning; it does not replace examination, imaging or diagnosis.