An AP (anteroposterior) view of the hip is an X‑ray projection taken with the patient supine and legs internally rotated about 15° to profile the femoral necks. The central ray is directed through the hip region to image the pelvis, hip joints and proximal femora. It evaluates fractures, dislocations, joint‑space narrowing and prostheses and is commonly used as an initial diagnostic radiograph.

Standard hip X‑ray consists of two views: an anteroposterior (AP) view of the pelvis/hip and a lateral view of the affected hip. The AP shows pelvic alignment, joint space, acetabulum and femoral heads; the lateral (frog‑leg or cross‑table lateral) visualizes the femoral neck, head and anterior/posterior displaced fractures. Both views detect fractures, arthritis and dislocations.

An X‑ray pelvis with both hip PA view is a plain radiographic exam imaging the pelvis and both hip joints using a posteroanterior projection (beam enters from back to front). It evaluates bone alignment, fractures, dislocations, arthritis, joint‑space narrowing and prostheses. The test is quick, noninvasive and uses low‑dose ionizing radiation; positioning varies to optimally visualize both hips.

The AP (anteroposterior) view X‑ray projects X‑rays front-to-back and is used to evaluate chest, abdomen, pelvis and limbs when patients cannot stand. It helps identify fractures, bone alignment, joint spaces, lung fields, heart size and mediastinal contours, as well as free air, foreign bodies and placement of tubes or lines. AP views are common for bedridden or trauma patients.

An AP (anteroposterior) radiograph is identified by an “AP” marker or by technical clues: clavicles appear more horizontal and elevated, scapulae often project over the lung fields, cardiac silhouette and mediastinum may appear magnified, and inspiratory effort is commonly reduced on portable/supine films. AP views are typical for bedside or supine imaging and can exaggerate heart size due to shorter object‑to‑detector distance.

Apophysitis is inflammation of an apophysis (growth plate) near a joint and can affect the hip, especially in adolescents from overuse or avulsion injuries (e.g., iliac spine or ischial tuberosity). It causes activity-related hip or buttock pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling. Treatment is conservative: rest, ice, NSAIDs, and physiotherapy, with most cases fully recovering.