By kkhealthcarecentre 
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a great tool for getting a detailed look at any part of the body to check for problems. In orthopedics, MRI is commonly used for the hip joint to find out why someone might be experiencing pain there, often referred to as coxalgia. One of the biggest benefits of MRI is that it doesn’t rely on ionizing radiation, making it safer for children and pregnant women. This method uses magnetic and computer technologies to produce clear images, and adding contrast helps enhance these images. The detailed information from MRI after using gadolinium contrast is comparable to what you might get from arthroscopy, which is more invasive as it involves surgery.
To conduct an MRI of the hip joint, different machines with varying magnetic strengths are used. Doctors choose the right settings based on the clinical needs to figure out if the pain is due to issues in the pelvic region or the joint itself. Often, specific imaging sequences are used when starting the process.
Hip MRIs can reveal various issues:
1. Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: This occurs when there’s a conflict between the femoral head/neck and the acetabulum’s edge, possibly due to congenital or acquired bone defects. This misalignment can lead to bone friction, causing osteophytes, acetabular lip damage, and deterioration of cartilage, possibly resulting in coxarthrosis and increasing pain.
2. Osteoarthritis: Over time, this condition can completely impair hip joint function, affecting bones, ligaments, blood vessels, cartilage, and muscles. MRI can show these changes early on, which can help manage the disease with treatment.
3. Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head: Caused by a long-term lack of blood supply, leading to bone and cartilage damage. Early detection is best achieved with MRI, as X-rays and ultrasounds might not show it.
4. Tumors: MRI can help identify both benign and malignant tumors in the hip. A biopsy is usually required to confirm the diagnosis. While CT scans are better for bone tumors, MRI is preferred for soft tissue.
When to Consider a Hip MRI:
Hip MRI is suggested when there’s ongoing pain, unexplained limping, movement limitations, or if previous treatments aren’t working. It’s also used to diagnose different hip disorders, check for surgery readiness, or investigate after an injury. However, there are some situations, like having certain implants or being in the first trimester of pregnancy, where MRI might not be advisable.
How to Prepare and Undergo a Hip MRI:
Preparation for an MRI is pretty straightforward. You should remove any metal objects and wear loose clothing without metal parts. You’ll also need your ID, previous test results, doctor’s referral, and insurance information if applicable.
During the procedure, you’re placed on a table, and the area of interest is scanned, possibly with contrast if needed. You’ll be monitored, and if anything is uncomfortable, you can signal for a break. Post-scan, you’ll receive a report and a disk with the images. If there’s a need to examine internal organs at the same time, additional preparation like bowel cleansing might be necessary.
For those who might need a contrast injection and are breastfeeding, planning for a milk reserve is helpful, and increased fluid intake afterward can help expel the contrast agent from the system.