To make an appointment, ask questions related to the procedure, and find out the price for an MRI of the hip joint in our Moscow centers, please call +7; information about MRI of the hip joint, price and any other information is available 24 hours a day.
MRI of the hip joint is a diagnostic method that allows you to obtain “slices” of the area under study and study in detail the structure of cartilage, ligaments, surrounding muscles and other soft tissue formations, as well as the femur and pelvic bones. Tomography is carried out in three projections and can build three-dimensional images of the joint, as well as visualize the network of blood vessels and nerve plexuses. In this case, the specialist gets the opportunity to see not only the anatomical structure, but also signs of the pathological process (inflammation, tumor, edema, degenerative changes) and physical and chemical disorders in the joint and surrounding tissues. MRI of this area is widely used in sports medicine to diagnose complex and combined injuries. Sometimes, for example, with the initial signs of arthritis, both joints are examined, which makes it possible to compare and allows one to accurately determine the presence of pathology.
Advantages of the method
MRI does not expose the body to radiation, so the procedure can be repeated many times. The device is capable of creating images of structures in any plane and with the desired magnification.
This area has some structural features. For example, the hip joint is the only one in the body that has a blood vessel in its structure. Around it there are many ligaments and tendons, which are often damaged when the joint is injured. Thanks to MRI, it is possible to accurately identify any tissue abnormalities that are inaccessible to other diagnostic methods.
It also allows you to avoid invasive research methods, such as arthroscopy, in which a thin endoscope is inserted into the joint cavity, allowing you to see all the structures from the inside.
Decoding
The doctor deciphers the images obtained during the tomography and issues a research protocol, which will indicate all joint parameters: tissue thickness, its shape and structure, location and size. Along with the protocol, the radiologist transfers to the patient all the images recorded on digital media. If desired, they can be obtained in printed form. The time required to compile a protocol can take about an hour on average, and in complex cases about 2 days.
Thus, the cycle from the start of the procedure to the receipt of results can be 2 hours. If the patient does not want to wait for the transcript results in the clinic, he can receive the data by email or come for an x-ray report the next day.
With the results of magnetic resonance imaging, you should contact your attending physician or a specialist who, based on the radiologist’s report, will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
- If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you should consult a rheumatologist.
- A neurologist can help treat pinched tendons and the sciatic nerve.
- For complex joint injuries, arthritis and arthrosis, you need to make an appointment with an orthopedic traumatologist.
- If a tumor is detected, you need to go to an oncologist.
It is worth remembering that the radiologist does not make a diagnosis or prescribe treatment. This should be done by the attending physician based on the diagnosis.
It is difficult for an ordinary person to independently understand and interpret the results that, after an MRI, will be given to him on a digital medium. Therefore, with the conclusion of the radiologist and the photographs, he should go for a consultation with the attending physician, who will make a final diagnosis based on the summary data of the examination, medical history and tomography data. In our clinic , after an MRI, you can have a free consultation with a neurologist or orthopedist . Doctor
- will answer all questions based on the results of the research and the conclusion received
- Helps explain tomography results without using complex radiological terminology
- will conduct an examination and, if necessary, offer treatment.
An example of decoding an MRI of the hip joints
On a series of MRIs of the hip joints, the relationships in the joints were not disturbed.
Free intra-articular fluid is not detected. The synovial membrane is not differentiated in native sections. No traumatic bone changes were detected according to the MRI examination. The bony contour of the articular surface of the femoral heads is not deformed, the heads are spherical in shape, centered within the articular sockets, and the arches of the acetabulum are formed correctly. Areas of increased MR signal on T1-weighted images from the bone marrow in the area of the proximal femurs and pelvic bones due to fatty degeneration. There are areas of unevenly expressed subchondral sclerosis of the articular surfaces of the acetabulum. The articular fibrocartilaginous lip has a homogeneous structure on both sides, without signs of rupture. The joint spaces are uniformly and moderately narrowed, the signal of the cartilaginous component of the joint is unevenly reduced, and the articular hyaline cartilage is moderately and uniformly thinned. There is an increase in signal intensity on Stir IP (swelling) in the area of the greater trochanter at the level of attachment of the tendons of the gluteus medius muscle on both sides, the structure of the tendons at this level is heterogeneous due to areas of increased signal, their integrity is not compromised. Conclusion: MRI signs of grade 1 deforming arthrosis of the hip joints. MRI signs of enthesopathy of the gluteus medius tendons on both sides. Author: Usenko Nikita Sergeevich
Orthopedist-traumatologist with 8 years of experience
What affects the cost and quality of MRI of the hip joints
The cost of a hip MRI may vary from hospital to hospital. Most often this depends on the equipment installed in clinics. Research using high-field tomographs is 1.5-2 times more expensive than medium- and low-field ones. If it is necessary to identify mechanical, gross damage to the joint surfaces, arthritis, arthrosis, then open-type tomographs can easily cope with this task, and in this case there is no need to overpay. But if there is a suspicion of tumor changes or systemic disorders, then a closed high-voltage (1.5 T and higher) tomograph is indispensable.
| Service | Price according to Price | Discount Price at Night | Discount Price During the Day |
| from 23.00 to 8.00 | from 8.00 to 23.00 | ||
| MRI of the hip joints | 5000 rub. | 3190 rub. | 3690 rub. |
| Appointment with an orthopedist | 1800 rub. | free after MRI | free after MRI |
| First aid program for joints (8 studies + appointment with an orthopedist + MRI of the joint) | 13000 rub. | 7500 rub. | 7500 rub. |
Indications for MRI of the hip joint
- coxarthrosis (deforming osteoarthritis of the hip joint);
- damage to the hip joints in rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, ankylosing spondylitis);
- infectious arthritis (Reiter's disease, chlamydial arthritis, etc.);
- suspicion of hemarthrosis (accumulation of blood in the joint);
- suspected rupture of the joint capsule, fractures/cracks of the hip and pelvic bones, ruptures/sprains of ligaments, muscles and tendons, other household, industrial and sports injuries;
- abnormalities of joint development (dysplasia);
- dislocation of the hip joint;
- chronic pain, stiffness and tissue swelling in the hip joint and lower limb;
- aseptic necrosis of the femoral head;
- metastases to the joint area;
- pinched nerves;
- pinched tendons;
- tenosynovitis of the hip joint;
- osteomyelitis;
- septic arthritis;
- osteochondropathy (Calvé-Perthes disease, etc.).
Contraindications to MRI of the hip joint
The examination should not be carried out if there are metal elements in the body: a pacemaker, insulin pump, vascular clips, etc., since the magnetic field created during operation of the device disrupts the operation of the artificial pacemaker, and ferromagnetic metals move and heat up under the influence of electromagnetic fields.
Titanium prostheses and other metal structures, dental implants and braces (ceramic, plastic and polymer) do not prohibit MRI, since they are made of materials that are not attracted by a magnet.
For MRI of the pelvic bones and hip joints with contrast, pregnancy and lactation are contraindications - the drug can have a harmful effect on the fetus and passes into breast milk.
The procedure is not indicated for chronic renal failure - in this case, the removal of the drug from the body is impaired.
Another limitation is intolerance to the contrast agent: an allergic reaction may develop.
Algorithm for proper preparation
It is imperative to determine in advance whether the patient is allergic to the contrast agent. Since patients do not always know how the body will react to a previously unused drug, a preliminary allergy test should be performed. If the reaction is positive, you can try replacing the drug with an analogue, using antihistamines, or using a CT scan instead of an MRI.
Another important stage of preparation is to notify the attending physician about pregnancy, since any stage of pregnancy becomes a contraindication to the use of magnetic resonance imaging with contrast, because the contrast can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and harm the fetus. Ignoring the ban can result in severe pathologies in the development of the unborn baby.
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Young children are allowed to undergo such an analysis, with a serious outweighing of the benefits over the possible harm, when the choice is between the child’s life and conducting the study under general anesthesia.
As a rule, childhood is a relative contraindication, as are psychological disorders and uncontrolled motor syndrome. The categorical nature is explained by the fact that the victim must endure the entire procedure in complete immobility, when any movement displaces the three-dimensional image and requires repeated examination.
Other relative contraindications include diabetes mellitus, renal and liver failure.
All this is dangerous only when it is necessary to use contrast, since the elements of the drug must be eliminated naturally in a timely manner.
And with the final relative prohibition of claustrophobia, new generation devices with open side parts will help to cope. They are used both to examine the spine and to diagnose possible deviations of the hip joints.
Separately, you should take care to remove all metal elements from yourself before starting the study. We are talking about jewelry, piercings and metal elements on clothing. You need to warn the specialist in advance about the presence of any built-in electronic elements such as pacemakers and wires to support the bone skeleton.
How to do an MRI of the hip joint
Before the procedure, you will need to remove all metal objects from yourself.
The examination is performed in a horizontal position. The table slides into the annular part of the device, so that the joint area is within the tomograph tunnel. During operation of the device, the ring will rotate around the area under study.
The device makes noise during scanning, so if you wish, you can wear earplugs during the examination.
To get clear images, you will need to remain still throughout the entire MRI procedure.
An MRI is not accompanied by any unpleasant sensations, but if you feel more comfortable, a loved one can be nearby during the examination.
What else do you need to know?
Without fail, before starting magnetic resonance imaging, the doctor gives a short briefing, during which he talks about the principle of operation of the tomograph and other nuances. The most important recommendation is to remain still. Only in this case will the doctor be able to get clear images.
For those who have never done an MRI, information about the features of its work will be useful. The specialist warns that during the acquisition of images, noise is observed that changes the rhythm. There is no need to be afraid of this.
Also, for comfort and safety, the tomograph cabin is equipped with light, ventilation, an alarm button, speakerphone and a built-in microphone. You will be able to ask the doctor the necessary questions, as well as stop the examination process if you feel unwell.
Preparing for an MRI of the hip joint
The procedure is performed without prior preparation. The patient does not need to change their usual lifestyle, follow a diet or stop taking their medications. If available, you need to take a doctor’s referral, an extract from the outpatient card, pictures of previous examinations or other documents related to the disease for the procedure. It is advisable that the examination is recommended to you by a doctor, since in the referral he indicates what exactly needs to be looked at and what type of MRI needs to be performed. However, we can do an MRI of the pelvic bones and hip joints without a referral.
Features of child examination
Unfortunately, children are also susceptible to hip diseases. This can be not only injuries, but also arthrosis. Due to the safety of this technique, MRI of the hip joints can be done in children as often as necessary.
At what age can a child be examined?
MRI of the hip joints can be done on children almost from birth. It is in this way that birth injuries are most effectively identified.
How to prepare a child?
Since the main condition for MRI of the hip joints is the immobility of the patient, children under 5 years old are given anesthesia if necessary. Older children need to be properly prepared:
- The day before, explain to the child what awaits him during this procedure and why it is needed.
- Often adults are allowed to be in the room with the person being examined.
- Use special headphones to reduce the noise produced by the tomograph.
- The child should be dressed in comfortable clothes and should not be wearing metal objects.
Contrast enhancement
Contrast is rarely used in hip tomography. This is required for a limited number of indications, such as detecting small bone tumors or clearly defining the boundaries between healthy and inflamed tissue. During contrast-enhanced tomography, the drug is injected into a vein immediately before it is performed. The contrast passes through the vessels and accumulates in the tissues, allowing for better visualization. As a contrast, drugs containing gadolinium salts Omniscan and Magnevist are used. Unlike iodine-containing agents, which were previously widely used in MRI, these drugs are less toxic and are quickly eliminated from the body.
Contraindications
This diagnostic procedure is not permitted for all patients. In some cases, the doctor may refuse to perform magnetic resonance imaging. Here are some of them:
- Any implants/pins/prostheses/devices made of metal are installed in the body - this is a strict contraindication for the study.
- If the patient has chronic diseases, neurological or mental disorders, or other characteristics of the body in which the patient is unable to lie still.
- First trimester of pregnancy (first 12 weeks from conception). At this time, it is not recommended to carry out any diagnostics, including magnetic resonance imaging. However, according to the doctor’s decision (in especially difficult cases), the procedure can still be performed.
- The patient's weight exceeds the maximum allowable - 250 kg.
- Pronounced fear of confined spaces. Since the diagnosis is carried out in a closed-type tomograph, doctors do not recommend doing an MRI if you have severe claustrophobia.
Often magnetic resonance imaging of the soft tissues of the thigh is performed with additional contrast enhancement. In this case, the list of contraindications increases. MRI with contrast cannot be performed in the following cases:
- The presence of an allergic reaction to the active substance of the drug;
- Serious liver or kidney disease;
- Lactation;
- Any stage of pregnancy.
It is also not recommended to use contrast agents if the patient has previously unsatisfactorily tolerated MRI with contrast.