MRI Hip Without Contrast
About Test
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging modality that uses a magnetic field, the energy of radio waves, and a computer to create images of internal body organs, bones, and soft tissues. Hip refers to the area on each side of the pelvis. Pelvis itself consists of 3 bones, ileum, ischium, and pubis. The hip joint is the largest, most stable, weight-bearing joint of the body that falls in the ball and socket joint category. The ball is made by your thigh bone (femur) which fits into the cup-shaped structure in your pelvis bone. The joint is surrounded by muscles, ligaments, and bursa and is responsible for the movements of the leg.
No contrast material is used in MRI without contrast.
Why and when do you need this test?
Your hip joint is stabilized and supported by many ligaments and cushioning structures. Although the hip joint is quite strong but may be affected by overuse, infection, or an injury. Some of the indications for an MRI hip include the following;
- Hip pain (acute or chronic)
- Injury or trauma to the hip
- Difficulty or pain in moving the leg
- Pain in walking
- Gait problems
- Pain that radiates to legs
- Stiffness of the joint
- Problems with walking and maintaining posture or balance
Do you need to prepare for the test?
- It is a special test that may need some preparation.
- You may eat or drink according to your doctor’s advice
- Since the test uses a magnetic field, you may need to tell the doctor if you have any metal implants, pacemakers, or prostheses in your body and bring detailed information about them.
- You would be asked not to wear any jewelry or watches or not bring keys, credit cards, or ATM cards.
What can you expect?
- You will be asked to lie down on the table that will slide into the MRI machine that looks like a large tunnel
- You need to lie down still and not move to prevent the images from getting blurry.
- Inside the machine, you will hear tapping or snapping noises.
- You will be alone in the room but under the constant care of a technician across the glass window who will be talking to you.
- It is a painless procedure that lasts for about 15-40 minutes but may take longer.
Are there any risks to this test?
It is a non-invasive test that usually has no risks. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, have kidney disease, or have metallic implants or prostheses in your body.
What do the test results mean?
The abnormal results may include;
- Tears of the acetabular labrum
- Degenerative disk disease
- Avascular necrosis
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Traumatic fracture
- Pathologic fracture
- Stress fracture
- Osteoarthritis
- Muscle injury
- Tendonitis
- Myositis
- Bursitis
- Cellulitis
Related Tests:
Other related tests may include:
- CT scan of the hip
- X-ray of the hip
