Hip MRI: Info and Get a Scan

Hip pain is associated with getting older, but it can affect all age demographics. Most hip pain is associated with overuse, therefore it can affect anyone who performs frequent repetitive tasks. However, there are more potentially serious causes of hip pain that can become worse over time if left untreated.

An MRI can produce an accurate image of the hip joint and surrounding structures. This helps increase the potential of making a quick and accurate diagnosis. Identifying the source of your discomfort is the first step in your treatment plan.

If you are experiencing hip pain and are interested in more information, follow along as we discuss the in’s and out’s of a hip MRI.

What is a Hip MRI Scan

An MRI scan is a routine, non-invasive procedure that produces cross-sectional images of the inside of the body. A hip MRI takes detailed images of the hip area, and allows doctors to diagnose conditions affecting the hip bones, the top of each thigh bone and the nearby blood vessels and surrounding soft tissues.

Why You Might Need a Hip MRI Scan

Pain, stiffness and swelling in one or both of the hips can indicate a hip problem that needs to be investigated. A hip MRI can diagnose:

• Wear and tear to the hip joint resulting in arthritis and other inflammatory medical conditions

• Trochanteric bursitis, an inflammatory condition that affects the bursae, soft tissue cushioning between the bones of the hip joint, causing pain and swelling

• Soft tissue injuries caused by repetitive motions, such as when playing sports like tennis or golf, or through work

• Mechanical hip problems that affect the mobility and movement of the hip, which can result in pain, stiffness and clicking when moving the hip 

A hip MRI scan can also be useful when other scans, such as hip x-rays, haven’t helped to find the cause of your hip pain. 

What Does a Hip MRI Show?

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of the structures that make up your hip and surrounding tissues. These can include:

• Top of the Femur
• Pelvis (though a specific pelvic scan should be booked if this is the area required for imaging)
• Coccyx
• Cartilage
• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Additional Soft Tissues

The MRI paints a three-dimensional picture of the pelvis by generating images–called slices–across three planes. The radiologist can examine the inner portions of bones and soft tissues to identify potential abnormalities.

If you are experiencing pain in your hip, it can steadily increase or it may come and go. Hip injuries or abnormalities usually result in some form of pain. It can be felt in the pelvic area, but pain can also be felt in the lower back and down the leg towards the knee. While a physical examination is important in identifying the cause of your pain, an MRI provides more insight into the potential causes of your pain.

These can include:

• Bone Fractures
• Bone Bruises
• Ligament and Tendon Tears or Inflammation
• Muscle Strain
• Osteoarthritis
• Hip Trauma
• Bursitis
• Necrosis or Infection
• Dislocation
• Tumours
• Injury to other structures surrounding the hip

The MRI’s ability to showcase not only the hip but the surrounding structures provides the opportunity for doctors to better understand the cause of your pain. With a more accurate diagnosis, your doctor can prescribe a treatment plan to get you back on the road to recovery.

Can an MRI Detect Hip Bursitis?

The majority of hip injuries are wear and tear injuries. Bursitis is a condition that affects the bursae–fluid-filled sacs that provide a cushion between two bones, reducing friction. Bursitis is the inflammation of these bursae. It causes pain in the hip and groin area that can further extend down the thigh.

An MRI can detect this inflammation, allowing for an effective treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort. However, in addition to overuse injuries, bursitis has also been induced by other factors including:

• Spine Disease
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Calcium Deposits
• Previous Surgery

The images an MRI produces combined with the symptoms a patient is experiencing allows the radiologist to diagnose bursitis.

How Long Does a Hip MRI Take?

A typical hip MRI takes 10–30 minutes to complete. In some instances, a contrast material will need to be used to see important structures in the hip. This is administered intravenously. If this is the case, the test can take additional while you wait for the contrast material to circulate through the body.

It is important to remain as still as possible while the scan is being performed. Any sudden movements can result in distorted images and the scan will need to be repeated. This will, of course, increase the length of time your scan will take.

Does Your Whole Body go in For a Hip MRI?

There are two main types of MRI machines.

1. Standard Bore - The traditional style and more common machine. This is a narrow tube that will slide the majority of the body into the machine.
2. Short Bore - This machine is about half the size of a traditional standard bore machine. This allows smaller portions of the body to be inside the tube, while the rest of the body remains exposed.

Depending on the type of machine being used, the entire body will go into the machine or just a portion of your body will go into the machine.

If you suffer from claustrophobia, a short bore machine is usually more manageable for patients. You can discuss this and any other concerns when you make an appointment for a hip MRI scan.

How Do You Prepare For a Hip MRI?

An MRI is a straightforward non-invasive diagnostic procedure. Therefore it does not require much preparation. In some circumstances, you may be asked to fast before your scan. However, that is not common during a hip MRI. The most important preparation is detailing your medical history with the technician.

It is important to include:

• Allergies to medication
• Pacemakers or Defibrillators
• Artificial Joints
• Metal plates, stints or screws
• Pregnancy

Some scans require the use of contrast material to enhance the structures surrounding the hip joint. It’s important to indicate if you have any known allergies to the contrast material.

Although an MRI is a very safe procedure, the use of a strong magnetic field can cause fluctuations in the settings of implanted medical devices. Therefore these will need to be monitored. Any metal can interfere with the quality of the scan. This includes jewellery, metal fasteners and any implanted metal material.

Studies have not shown any correlation between MRI procedures and birth defects. However, it is important to provide a comprehensive medical history to the technician and radiologist.

Equipment Used 

An MRI scanner is a large, round, doughnut-shaped scanning machine. A flat medical table is attached to the machine that moves patients slowly in and out of the MRI scanner tube. Computers are used to capture detailed images, and a radiographer controls the machine remotely from another room. You’ll be provided with earphones or a headset to help reduce the sound made by the scanner, and you’ll be able to communicate with your radiographer via an intercom. 

Benefits

MRI scans are safe for most people and are a quick, painless, non-invasive procedure that’s effective in diagnosing medical conditions that could be causing your hip pain. 

Risks

While MRI scans are safe, some things need to be considered before having one:

• Patients with claustrophobia or who struggle to remain still may find the closed nature of an MRI scanner difficult. Speak to your doctor about the possibility of a mild sedative if you’re concerned.

• Metallic objects pose potential risks inside an MRI scanner if they’re magnetic, due to the strong magnets used during the procedure. This includes jewellery, watches and removable devices such as hearing aids, which all need to be removed prior to your scan. Speak to your doctor if you have non-removable devices such as cochlear implants or any meshes, stents, valves, screws or wires. 

• Some patients develop an allergic reaction to the dyes used during a contrast MRI scan. If you know you have an allergy to iodine or gadolinium, let your radiographer know. Symptoms of an allergy include breathlessness, a metallic taste in the mouth, excessive sweating and feeling flushed. 

Getting the Results

Once your radiographer is happy they have enough detailed images of your hip area, the scan will be over and you’ll be able to get up and dressed. If you’ve had a contrast dye administered, you’ll need to remain in the clinic for half an hour to ensure you don’t develop an allergic reaction. 

Your radiographer will send your scan images to a radiologist who will interpret them and discuss them with your referring doctor, who will then contact you to discuss them. 

Costs

In the UK, a private hip MRI scan costs between £200 and £400. 

Get a Hip MRI Scan

Hip pain can significantly impact your life and ability to move about freely and do the things you enjoy. Book a private hip MRI scan with us, and begin your journey to treatment. 

The Bottom Line

The hip is home to a multitude of soft tissues, bones and muscles. When we experience hip pain, it can be the result of any number of potential problems. The unknown is frustrating and can make finding a solution to your pain a challenge.

An MRI provides a clear insight into the hip and surrounding structures. This can increase the chances of making an accurate diagnosis the first time. This means a treatment plan that fits your needs and gets you on the path to recovery much sooner.

If you are looking for more information on a hip MRI procedure, contact us. Or book an appointment at one of our centres. We are here to help get you back to enjoying your everyday life–minus the pain.

FAQs

Can a Hip MRI Show Cancer?

Yes, an MRI scan will highlight tumours in the bones or soft tissues that could be causing your hip pain. 

Does Your Whole Body Go In for a Hip MRI?

Not necessarily. An open, or short, bore MRI scanner only requires your lower half to enter the machine. Older style closed, or standard, bore scanners may require your whole body to enter the machine. In some cases, if doctors need to observe how your hip behaves when standing, you may have an MRI taken while standing in an upright scanner. 

How Long Does a Hip MRI Take?

A hip MRI takes around 10 minutes, but your appointment can take around half an hour to complete. If you’re having a contrast dye MRI, your appointment will take around an hour, including the time afterwards to check for signs of an allergy. 

Does a Hip MRI Show the Groin?

Yes, a hip MRI will highlight issues stemming from the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the groin that may be causing pain in the hip area. 

How Do You Read a Hip MRI?

Your radiologist and wider medical team will have all the knowledge and training they need to read your hip MRI and detect any bone fractures, soft tissue injuries and other abnormalities. 

Can You Have an MRI With a Hip Replacement?

Generally, most modern artificial hip joints are made from non-metallic substances or metals compatible with MRI scanners, so it’s safe to have an MRI. Older hip replacements may not be, but your medical team will be able to advise which type you have and whether or not it’s safe for you to have an MRI scan of your hip area.

References

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