Monday May 21 , 2012
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MRI - Hip

Hip MRI - Overview & Technique

Hip pain may require a test called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to diagnose the underlying cause of the discomfort. During a hip MRI, the patient is asked to lie very still in a tube-like structure as the test is performed. A loud, clanging noise may be heard throughout the test, as the magnets move to provide accurate imaging. The test is painless and completely non-invasive and usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Before a hip MRI, the patient will be asked to remove all metal jewelry and clothing. Any metal within the body must be reported to the technician performing the test as some metals are incompatible with this exam. Patients with pacemakers or other internal devices may not undergo hip MRI. Watches, credit cards, and other items may be negatively affected by the magnets and should not even be taken into the examination room. Patients will usually be asked to change into a hospital gown prior to the procedure. A lab technician will assist the patient into an appropriate position on the examination table. Depending on the imaging lab, the MRI machine may be similar to a tunnel or it may have two or more open sides. As the hip MRI begins, the patient must remain very still so that the resulting images are clear. When the magnets are working, the machine can be very loud. The sound is similar to a loud knocking or banging. Periodically during the test, the knocking may stop and resume. The technician administering the exam should be available to the patient via microphone during the procedure. A hip MRI is a painless procedure. It assists doctors in diagnosing the causes of hip pain so that appropriate treatment may be provided. There is no special preparation for the procedure, and patients may return to normal activities immediately following the test.

Hip MRI - Alternative Names and Explanations

MRI of the Hip, MRI Lower Ext. Jnt. (knee/hip/ankle) w/o contrast 73721, MRI Lower Ext. Jnt. (knee/hip/ankle) with contrast 73722, MRI Lower Ext. Jnt. (knee/hip/ankle) with & w/o contrast 73723

Hip MRI - Benefits

  • MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.
  • MRI has proven valuable in diagnosing a broad range of conditions, including cancer, heart and vascular disease, and muscular and bone abnormalities.
  • MRI enables the discovery of abnormalities that might be obscured by bone with other imaging methods.
  • MRI allows physicians to assess the biliary system noninvasively and without contrast injection.
  • The contrast material used in MRI exams is less likely to produce an allergic reaction than the iodine-based materials used for conventional x-rays and CT scanning.
  • MRI provides a fast, noninvasive alternative to x-ray angiography for diagnosing problems of the heart and blood vessels.

    • MRI of the Hip - Indications, Common Uses, & Positive Findings

  • Avascular necrosis, femoral head.
  • Intra or extra articular abnormality (e.g., loose body).
  • Slipped femoral capital epiphesis and tears of the acetabular labrum.
  • Evaluate integrity of hip cartilage 
  • Diagnose bursitis of the hip 

    • Hip MRI - Images

    hip_mri

    Hip MRI - References, Links, and Additional Information

    Schedule Your Hip MRI Today! 

    • If you are looking for professional radiology services at your imaging site/center, call us at 1-800-626-8315 or contact us for a consultation. 

    • If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Mid-Wilshire and need to schedule a radiology examination such as a MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, X ray, or PET scan, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

    • If you are in search of other things, we're surprisingly resourceful!  Call us 1-800-626-8315 or contact us via our contact form.