What it is (overview)

An XR Pelvis (X-ray) with anteroposterior (AP) and lateral view is a common radiography exam that creates pictures of the pelvic bones and nearby joints using a small amount of ionizing radiation. “AP” means the X-ray beam passes from the front to the back of your pelvis, and the “lateral view” captures the pelvis from the side. Taking images from more than one angle helps the radiologist see the shape and alignment of the bones more clearly and can reveal problems that might be hidden on a single view.

This diagnostic test looks at structures such as the hip joints (where the thigh bone meets the pelvis), the acetabulum (hip socket), the pubic symphysis (front joint of the pelvis), the sacroiliac joints (where the pelvis meets the spine), and the pelvic ring. It does not “measure” a blood value—rather, it provides medical imaging to evaluate bone position, joint spaces, and signs of injury or disease.

What results can mean: A report may describe findings such as a fracture (a break in the bone), dislocation (a joint out of place), misalignment, changes in joint space that suggest arthritis, or other abnormalities (for example, bone lesions or signs of infection). A “normal” result generally means the pelvic bones and hip joints look intact and properly aligned on both the AP and lateral images. Your clinician will interpret the results along with your symptoms, physical exam, and any other tests.

When & why it's usually done

Doctors commonly order a pelvis X-ray (AP and lateral view) to quickly assess the pelvic region when there is concern for a bone or joint problem. It is often used in urgent care and emergency settings because it is fast, widely available, and effective for identifying many types of bony injury.

This test may be recommended if you have:

Symptoms such as:

• Hip, groin, or pelvic pain—especially after a fall, accident, or sports injury
• Inability to bear weight, difficulty walking, or a new limp
• Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the hip or pelvis
• Reduced range of motion of the hip or pain with movement

Situations and clinical concerns such as:

• Trauma (motor vehicle collision, fall from height, direct blow) to check for pelvic fractures, acetabular fractures, or hip dislocation
• Concern for fracture in older adults or people at risk of osteoporosis (for example, after a low-impact fall)
• Evaluation of arthritis or chronic hip/pelvic pain to look for degenerative joint changes
• Follow-up of a known fracture or after orthopedic surgery (to confirm alignment or hardware position)
• Assessment for certain bone abnormalities (such as suspected lesions) seen on other imaging or suspected from symptoms

In some cases, if the X-ray does not explain symptoms or if a more detailed look at soft tissues, cartilage, or subtle fractures is needed, your clinician may recommend additional medical imaging such as CT or MRI.

Common diseases related to it

• Pelvic fracture (including pelvic ring fractures)
• Hip fracture (proximal femur fracture)
• Acetabular fracture (hip socket fracture)
• Hip dislocation
• Osteoarthritis of the hip
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction or sacroiliitis (inflammatory changes may be suggested on X-ray)
• Osteoporosis-related (fragility) fractures
• Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (may show later-stage bony changes on radiography)
• Bone tumors or metastatic bone disease (may appear as suspicious bone lesions)
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection) or septic arthritis (may show indirect or later changes)

Health goals where it may help

• Rapid diagnosis of hip or pelvic injury after trauma to guide timely treatment
• Confirming or ruling out fractures and dislocations to prevent complications and support safe mobility
• Monitoring healing progress after a pelvic/hip fracture or after orthopedic procedures
• Evaluating chronic hip, groin, or pelvic pain to help plan physical therapy, medications, or specialist referral
• Assessing degenerative joint changes to support long-term joint health and mobility goals
• Identifying signs that additional imaging (CT/MRI) may be needed for a more complete diagnosis