MSK US HIP

By Jason Cox

Mastering Hip Ultrasound: Insights from a World Expert

Dr. Marnix Van Holsbeeck, MD

As a pioneer in musculoskeletal ultrasound, I’ve spent decades advancing the field and training clinicians worldwide to harness this powerful, non-invasive imaging tool. Today, I’m excited to share insights on hip ultrasound—a critical technique for diagnosing conditions ranging from tendinopathies to joint effusions—and to invite you to my upcoming course this spring, hosted by Point of Care Imaging. Join me to elevate your skills and transform your practice! Register here.

Why Hip Ultrasound Matters

The hip is a complex joint, prone to injuries and degenerative conditions that can elude traditional diagnostics like X-rays or MRIs in early stages. Ultrasound offers real-time, dynamic imaging that reveals soft tissue details with unmatched precision. From identifying labral tears to guiding injections, it’s a game-changer for orthopedic, rheumatologic, and sports medicine applications. My work, alongside luminaries like Dr. Jon Jacobson and Dr. David Fessell, has shown that ultrasound can detect abnormalities with sensitivity comparable to MRI, often at a fraction of the cost and time.

The Evidence Base

Research underscores ultrasound’s value in hip assessment. Studies from the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine highlight its efficacy in diagnosing greater trochanteric pain syndrome, while the American Journal of Roentgenology praises its role in detecting synovitis. My own publications—widely cited in texts like Musculoskeletal Ultrasound by Elsevier—demonstrate how Doppler imaging can reveal vascular changes in hip pathology, offering insights that static imaging misses. Colleagues at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) have built on this foundation, establishing protocols I’ve helped refine over the years.

What You’ll Learn in My Course

This spring, I’m bringing my expertise to you through an immersive course designed for clinicians at all levels. Hosted at Point of Care Imaging, the program covers:

Anatomy and Technique: Master the sonoanatomy of the hip, from the iliopsoas to the gluteal tendons.
Pathology Recognition: Identify bursitis, labral injuries, and occult fractures with confidence.
Hands-On Practice: Gain proficiency with live models under my direct guidance.
Interventional Skills: Learn ultrasound-guided injections for precision therapy.

Drawing from my experience at institutions like Henry Ford Health and my contributions to journals like Radiology and Skeletal Radiology, I’ll share practical tips honed over thousands of cases. This isn’t just theory—it’s the real-world expertise that’s made me a trusted name in the field.

The Broader Impact of Ultrasound

Ultrasound’s rise in musculoskeletal care is no accident. The British Journal of Sports Medicine notes its growing adoption in point-of-care settings, a trend I’ve championed through workshops and texts like Ultrasound of the Musculoskeletal System by Bianchi and Martinoli. Websites like Radiopaedia.org and the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) echo its diagnostic power, while clinical guidelines from the ACR (American College of Radiology) now endorse it for hip evaluation. My peers at the International Skeletal Society and the RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) continue to push its boundaries, as do I.

Join Me This Spring

Whether you’re a radiologist, physiatrist, or sonographer, this course will empower you to integrate hip ultrasound into your practice with confidence. The event, scheduled for spring 2025, is a rare chance to train with me directly. Visit https://pointofcareimaging.us/events/3 to secure your spot and explore the full agenda.

A Legacy of Innovation

From my early work on shoulder ultrasound to my current focus on the hip, I’ve been privileged to shape this field alongside giants like Dr. Philip Robinson and Dr. Theodore Miller. My research—featured in Ultrasound Quarterly and Clinical Radiology—has informed global standards, and I’m thrilled to pass that knowledge to you. Let’s advance patient care together, one scan at a time.

See you in the spring!
Dr. Marnix Van Holsbeeck