About a hip MRI scan
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where the head of the femur (thigh bone) sits in the acetabulum, the socket of the pelvis. A rim of cartilage called the labrum runs around the socket, and strong muscles and tendons, including the gluteal muscles on the outer side, move and support the joint.
A hip MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, to show the joint and soft tissues in detail. Common reasons for the scan include:
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), where an abnormal shape of the ball (cam type), the socket (pincer type) or both causes them to rub, often in active young and middle-aged adults. It typically causes groin pain on bending, twisting or sitting, and can damage the labrum and cartilage.
- Labral tears, which can cause clicking, locking or catching as well as pain.
- Pain on the outer side of the hip from bursitis or gluteal tendon problems, often worse when lying on that side.
- Stress fractures and bone problems, including avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the ball of the hip), which can show on MRI before an X-ray.
Left and right hips are separate scans. For a detailed look at the labrum and cartilage, a specialist may request a hip MR arthrogram instead, which includes an injection of contrast dye into the joint.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed, usually feet first, with a coil placed over your hips. Your feet may be gently taped together with the toes turned in slightly, to get the best view of the hip. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and you need to keep still while the pictures are taken. Contrast dye is not usually needed; where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.
What the scan can show
A hip MRI can help to look at:
- femoroacetabular impingement (cam and pincer shapes)
- labral tears and cartilage damage
- early and established arthritis
- trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendon tears
- stress fractures and hidden (occult) fractures
- avascular necrosis of the femoral head
- hip flexor and hamstring tendon injuries around the hip
- joint infection, inflammation and lumps
When to get urgent help: call 999 or go to A&E if you have severe hip pain after a fall or injury, or cannot put weight on your leg. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if your hip is hot and swollen, or you have hip pain with a high temperature and feel unwell.
Preparing for your scan
No special preparation is needed, and you can eat and drink normally. Wear comfortable clothing without metal; you may be asked to change into a gown. If you have had a previous X-ray of your hip or pelvis, upload the report when you book.
You can usually eat, drink and take your normal medicines unless the scanning centre tells you otherwise. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips or buttons, and leave jewellery at home. You will be asked to remove metal items such as hair clips, hearing aids, coins and keys, and you may be asked to change into a gown.
Before the scan you will complete a safety questionnaire. Tell the team if you have a pacemaker, any metal implant, surgical clips or other device, if you have kidney problems or allergies, or if you are, or might be, pregnant or breastfeeding. If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, let us know when you book. Some centres can offer a relaxant, and if you take one you will need someone to take you home and must not drive for 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can a hip MRI show a labral tear?
Yes, a standard MRI can often show labral tears. If more detail is needed, for example before keyhole surgery, a specialist may request an MR arthrogram, where contrast dye is injected into the joint first.
What is hip impingement?
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is when the ball and socket of the hip have an unusual shape and rub against each other, causing pain on bending and twisting. Over time it can damage the labrum and cartilage. MRI can show the shape of the joint and any damage.
Do I need to book the left or right side?
Yes. Each hip is a separate scan. If you need both, book them together, as two or more areas booked together qualify for the lower clubbed price.
Do I need a referral?
You can tell us if you have a referral from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant and upload it when you book. If you do not have one, select “no referral” when you book and the scanning centre will confirm the next steps with you.
Sources
- Radiopaedia – Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome
- NHS – Hip pain
- RadiologyInfo.org – Musculoskeletal MRI
- NHS – MRI scan
The information on this page has been gathered from various sources and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice. TOP MRI is not liable for the accuracy or completeness of this information. Please speak to your doctor or the scanning centre about your own situation.