About a groin MRI scan
The groin is where the abdomen meets the thigh. Several important structures meet here: the adductor muscles of the inner thigh, the lower abdominal muscles, which both attach to the pubic bone, the pubic symphysis (the joint at the front of the pelvis), and the hip joint just to the side.
Groin pain is common in sports involving kicking, twisting and sudden changes of direction, such as football, rugby and hockey. Common causes include adductor strains and tendon injuries, athletic pubalgia (often called a “sports hernia”, although there is no true hernia; it is an injury where the abdominal and adductor tendons attach to the pubic bone), and osteitis pubis (inflammation and stress around the pubic symphysis). Pain in the groin can also come from the hip joint, a hernia or the lower back.
MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, and is the preferred test for long-lasting groin pain in athletes. It shows tendon tears, swelling in the pubic bone and the attachments of the muscles, and can help rule out other causes. A groin MRI is booked for one side; if your pain is mainly deep in the hip joint, the hip scan may be more suitable.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed with a coil placed over your lower abdomen and pelvis. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and the radiographer can talk to you throughout. 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 groin MRI can help to look at:
- adductor muscle strains, tendon injuries and tears
- athletic pubalgia (“sports hernia” or core muscle injury)
- osteitis pubis and stress injuries of the pubic bone
- injuries to the lower abdominal muscle attachments
- hip flexor (iliopsoas) injuries and bursitis
- some hernias and other causes of groin pain, including problems around the hip
- lumps, swollen lymph nodes and infection
When to get urgent help: seek urgent medical advice if you have a painful lump in the groin that cannot be pushed back in, especially with sickness or being unable to pass wind or poo, or sudden severe pain in the testicles.
Preparing for your scan
No special preparation is usually needed, and you can eat and drink normally. If you have had previous X-rays or ultrasound scans of your hip or groin, upload the reports 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
What is a sports hernia?
A “sports hernia”, or athletic pubalgia, is an injury where the lower abdominal muscles and the adductor (inner thigh) tendons attach to the pubic bone. Despite the name, there is usually no true hernia. MRI is the preferred test to look for it.
Should I book a groin or a hip scan?
If your pain is at the front of the pelvis, inner thigh or pubic bone, the groin scan is usually suitable. If it feels deep in the hip joint, or with clicking, catching or stiffness, a hip scan may be better. Your referring clinician can advise.
Do I need to book the left or right side?
Yes. Each groin 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 – Athletic pubalgia
- Radiology (RSNA, 2008) – MR imaging of athletic pubalgia
- Imaging of groin pain: MRI and ultrasound features (review, Weill Cornell)
- 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.