MRI Scan Guide
Overview
A hip MRI produces detailed images of the hip joint, including the femoral head, acetabulum, labrum, cartilage, tendons, muscles, and surrounding soft tissues. It is the most comprehensive imaging method for evaluating hip pathology.
Hip MRI is used to diagnose labral tears, arthritis, avascular necrosis, stress fractures, tendon injuries, and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). It is also used in pre-surgical planning and post-operative assessment.
The scan is non-invasive, uses no radiation, and patients can return to normal activity immediately afterward.
The procedure
You lie on your back on the scanner table with your hips positioned in the center of the scanner. A body coil or dedicated hip coil is placed over the pelvis. The table moves into the scanner, and images are acquired over approximately 30 to 45 minutes using multiple sequences that highlight bone, cartilage, and soft tissue structures.
Diagnostic value
Preparation
No fasting is required.
Wear comfortable clothing without metal fastenings around the waist and hips.
Remove belts, buckles, piercings, and metal objects.
Inform the radiographer about any hip replacements, screws, or metal hardware.
Empty your bladder before the scan for comfort.
Hip X-rays are useful for evaluating bone alignment, fractures, and advanced arthritis. However, X-rays cannot show soft tissue structures like the labrum, cartilage, or tendons. MRI provides a complete picture of both bone and soft tissue, making it essential when X-rays are normal but symptoms persist.
Hip MRI is increasingly used in younger patients and athletes experiencing groin or hip pain. Common findings include labral tears, stress fractures, and femoroacetabular impingement. Early diagnosis with MRI can guide treatment and prevent progression to more serious conditions like hip arthritis.
Understanding your results
Every Mira scan comes with two reports. A medical report from a radiologist for your doctor, and a miraclarity report for you. The miraclarity report explains your hip MRI findings in straightforward language with visual guides, severity indicators, and recommended next steps.
No jargon. No waiting for another appointment just to understand what your scan found. miraclarity is included free with every scan.
Book your scan
Yes. MRI is excellent at detecting labral tears, especially when performed with an arthrogram (contrast injected into the joint).
A typical hip MRI takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Most modern hip replacements are MRI-compatible. However, you must inform the clinic about your implant so compatibility can be confirmed before scanning.
Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a condition where bone tissue dies due to interrupted blood supply. MRI is the most sensitive imaging method for detecting AVN, often identifying it before it appears on X-ray.
A knee MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the knee joint. Unlike X-rays, which show only bones, MRI reveals soft tissues including ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and the meniscus. This makes it the primary diagnostic tool for knee injuries and conditions.
A brain MRI produces highly detailed images of the brain, brainstem, and surrounding structures. It is the preferred imaging method for evaluating neurological symptoms because it provides superior soft tissue contrast compared to CT and does not use ionizing radiation.
A lumbar spine MRI produces detailed images of the lower back, including the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues. It is the most accurate non-invasive method for diagnosing causes of lower back pain.
A shoulder MRI provides highly detailed images of the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones of the shoulder joint. It is the most reliable non-invasive method for diagnosing shoulder injuries.