Hip pain may require a test called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose the underlying cause of the discomfort. During a hip MRI, the patient is asked to lie very still in a tube-shaped frame while the test is performed. A loud metallic noise may be heard throughout the test as the magnets move to provide accurate images. The test is painless and completely non-invasive and usually takes 30-60 minutes.
An MRI machine is made up of three parts. The primary magnet is very large and is used to create the magnetic field necessary for the technology to work. Gradient magnets are smaller and allow the machine to focus on a specific part of the body. The coil is the part of the machine closest to the body part being tested, in this case the hip. The parts work together to send radio waves through the body, creating a detailed image of the inside of the hip.
Before a hip MRI, the patient will be asked to remove all metal jewelry and clothing. Any metal within the body should be reported to the technician performing the test as some metals are incompatible with this test. Patients with pacemakers or other internal devices cannot undergo hip MRI. Watches, credit cards, and other items can be negatively affected by magnets and should not even be brought into the exam room.
Patients will usually be asked to change into a hospital gown before the procedure. A lab technician will assist the patient to a proper position on the exam table. Depending on the imaging lab, the MRI machine may look like a tunnel or it may have two or more open sides.
When the hip MRI begins, the patient must lie very still so that the resulting images are clear. When the magnets work, the machine can make a lot of noise. The sound is similar to a loud knocking or pounding. Periodically during the test, the beating may be paused and resumed. The technician administering the exam must be available to the patient through the microphone during the procedure.
Sometimes patients have difficulty staying still for the 30 to 60 minutes needed to complete the hip MRI. If this is the case, a doctor may provide you with medication to take before the test to aid in relaxation. If this is of concern, the doctor should be informed. prior to schedule the hip MRI so the medication can be prescribed.
A hip MRI is a painless procedure. It helps doctors diagnose the causes of hip pain so that proper treatment can be provided. There is no special preparation for the procedure, and patients can return to normal activities immediately after the test.