MRI HIP JOINTS

A Hip Joint MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a powerful, non-invasive medical imaging technique that creates detailed, cross-sectional images of your hip. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, an MRI does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, it utilizes a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a sophisticated computer to generate high-resolution images of the hip's bones (including the femur and acetabulum), cartilage (the smooth lining of the joint), labrum (a specialized cartilage ring), tendons, ligaments, muscles, and surrounding soft tissues.

The primary purpose of a Hip Joint MRI is to diagnose the underlying cause of hip pain, pinpoint the extent of an injury, evaluate degenerative conditions like arthritis, or investigate unexplained symptoms such as clicking, locking, or limited movement in the hip. The detailed images produced allow radiologists and your referring doctor to accurately identify abnormalities that might not be visible with other imaging methods.

What is a Hip Joint MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology works by harnessing the natural magnetic properties of the body's hydrogen atoms. When you are placed within the MRI scanner's strong magnetic field, these hydrogen atoms align. Radiofrequency pulses are then briefly emitted, temporarily knocking these atoms out of alignment. As the atoms return to their normal state, they release signals. These signals are detected by the MRI scanner and processed by a powerful computer to construct detailed, two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of the hip joint and its surrounding structures.

Specifically for the hip, a Hip Joint MRI excels at visualizing soft tissues with remarkable clarity. This includes the articular cartilage that cushions the bones, the labrum which deepens the hip socket and provides stability, and the intricate network of muscles and tendons responsible for hip movement and support. It can also detect subtle changes within the bone marrow, such as edema (swelling), stress fractures, or early signs of avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply), which are often invisible on standard X-rays. This level of detail is essential for an accurate diagnosis of many hip conditions.## Types of Hip Joint MRI

Depending on the specific information your doctor needs, different types of Hip Joint MRI scans can be performed:

Standard Hip MRI (without contrast)

This is the most common type of Hip Joint MRI. It provides excellent detail of the bones, cartilage, labrum, tendons, and muscles and is sufficient for diagnosing many hip conditions.

Hip MRI with Intravenous Contrast

In this type of scan, a gadolinium-based contrast agent is injected into a vein in your arm partway through the examination. The contrast material enhances the visibility of certain structures and abnormalities, particularly those involving inflammation (like synovitis), infection, tumors, or areas with increased blood flow.

MR Arthrography (MRA) of the Hip

This is a more specialized type of Hip Joint MRI. For an MR arthrogram, contrast material is injected directly into the hip joint space by a radiologist, usually under imaging guidance (like fluoroscopy or ultrasound). This technique distends the joint capsule and allows for exceptionally detailed visualization of intra-articular structures, making it particularly valuable for assessing subtle labral tears, cartilage defects, and loose bodies. Please inquire with Cadabams Diagnostics to see if MR Arthrography is available and suitable for your specific needs.

During the interpretation of your Hip Joint MRI, radiologists at Cadabams Diagnostics meticulously assess numerous anatomical structures and look for specific pathological features. These include:

Bones

• Femoral Head and Neck: Examined for shape, contour, integrity, signs of fracture (including stress fractures), avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis), bone marrow edema (swelling), cysts, tumors, or arthritic changes like osteophytes (bone spurs).
• Acetabulum (Hip Socket): Assessed for its shape, depth, coverage of the femoral head, signs of dysplasia, pincer-type impingement, fractures, arthritis, and cartilage integrity.

Articular Cartilage

The smooth lining covering the femoral head and acetabulum is evaluated for its thickness, uniformity, signal intensity, and presence of defects such as thinning, fissures, chondral flaps, or complete loss (characteristic of osteoarthritis).

Labrum

The fibrocartilaginous ring attached to the rim of the acetabulum is closely inspected for tears (classified by location and type), detachments from the bone, degeneration, fraying, or associated paralabral cysts. (MRI hip joint for labral tear diagnosis is a key capability).

Ligaments & Tendons

• Ligaments: Such as the ligamentum teres, are assessed for tears or laxity.
• Tendons: The tendons attaching major muscles around the hip (e.g., gluteus medius and minimus, hamstrings, iliopsoas, adductors, rectus femoris) are evaluated for tendinopathy (degeneration, thickening), partial-thickness tears, full-thickness tears, or inflammation (tendinitis).

Muscles

The muscles surrounding the hip (gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps, adductors, iliopsoas) are examined for strains, partial or complete tears, edema (swelling), atrophy (muscle wasting), or fatty infiltration.

Joint Space & Synovium

• Joint Space: The space between the femoral head and acetabulum is assessed. Narrowing can indicate cartilage loss.
• Synovial Fluid: A minimal amount of fluid is normal. An increased amount (effusion) can indicate inflammation, injury, or infection.
• Synovium: The lining of the joint capsule is checked for thickening or enhancement (synovitis), suggesting inflammation.
• Loose Bodies: Fragments of bone or cartilage within the joint space.

Bursae

The small fluid-filled sacs that cushion areas of friction are evaluated for inflammation (bursitis), such as trochanteric bursitis (on the outer hip) or iliopsoas bursitis (in the front of the hip).

Surrounding Soft Tissues

The area around the hip joint is checked for any abnormal masses, collections (e.g., hematomas, abscesses), or other pathological findings.

Bone Marrow

The signal intensity of the bone marrow is assessed for edema (which can indicate a stress reaction, occult fracture, inflammation, or ischemia), lesions (such as tumors or infection), or changes associated with avascular necrosis.

There are numerous compelling reasons why your doctor might recommend a Hip Joint MRI:

• Diagnose the Cause of Pain: To identify the precise origin of acute or chronic hip, groin, buttock, or upper thigh pain that hasn't responded to initial treatments or lacks a clear diagnosis from other tests.
• Evaluate Injuries: To accurately assess damage from trauma (e.g., falls, car accidents) or sports-related activities. This includes diagnosing conditions like labral tears, muscle strains or tears, tendon ruptures, and stress fractures that may not be visible on X-rays.
• Assess Degenerative Conditions: To evaluate the extent of conditions like osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) by visualizing cartilage loss, bone spurs, and associated inflammation, or to diagnose femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).
• Detect Avascular Necrosis (AVN): MRI is highly sensitive for detecting AVN (also known as osteonecrosis), a serious condition where the blood supply to the bone is lost, potentially leading to bone collapse. Early detection is crucial.
• Identify Inflammatory Conditions: To diagnose inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis if the sacroiliac joints are included), synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining), or bursitis.
• Evaluate for Tumors or Infections: To detect benign or malignant bone tumors, soft tissue masses, or infections (osteomyelitis in the bone, or septic arthritis in the joint).
• Pre-operative Planning: To provide surgeons with detailed anatomical information before procedures such as hip arthroscopy (keyhole surgery), osteotomy (bone reshaping), or total hip replacement. This helps in planning the surgical approach and anticipating potential challenges.
• Monitor Conditions: To monitor the progression of a known hip condition, assess the healing of an injury, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatment (e.g., response to medication, physiotherapy, or surgery).
• Clarify Equivocal Findings: When other imaging tests (like X-rays or ultrasound) are inconclusive or do not fully explain the patient's symptoms.

When and Who Needs to Take a Hip Joint MRI?

A Hip Joint MRI is recommended by doctors for a variety of reasons when a detailed assessment of the hip joint is necessary. Common indications include:

• Persistent hip pain: Especially pain that hasn't resolved with conservative treatments or whose cause is unclear. This can include pain felt in the hip, groin, buttock, or even radiating down the thigh.
• Groin pain: Often associated with labral tears, FAI, or adductor tendon issues.
• Clicking, locking, or catching sensations: These symptoms can suggest problems with the labrum or loose bodies within the joint.
• Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the hip through its full arc of movement.
• Suspected sports injuries: Common in athletes, these can include muscle strains, tendon tears, or stress fractures.
• Traumatic injuries: Following a fall or accident where a significant hip injury is suspected.

Specific Conditions That a Hip Joint MRI Can Help Diagnose or Evaluate

• Suspected labral tears: Tears in the fibrocartilaginous ring around the hip socket. A Hip Joint MRI is particularly sensitive for diagnosing these.
• Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): A condition where abnormal bone shapes in the hip joint cause damage during movement.
• Early signs of osteoarthritis or other forms of arthritis: To assess cartilage loss, bone spurs, and inflammation.
• Avascular necrosis (AVN) / Osteonecrosis: Loss of blood supply to the femoral head, which can lead to bone collapse.
• Stress fractures: Small cracks in the bone that may not be visible on X-rays, especially in athletes or individuals with osteoporosis.
• Tendon injuries: Including tendinopathy (degeneration) or tears of the gluteal tendons, hamstring origin, or iliopsoas tendon.
• Muscle injuries: Strains or tears of the muscles surrounding the hip.
• Unexplained limping or difficulty bearing weight.
• Bone tumors or infections.
• Developmental dysplasia of the hip: In certain contexts, particularly for assessing associated soft tissue damage.

Patient Groups Who Commonly Undergo a Hip Joint MRI

• Athletes of all levels involved in sports that stress the hip joint.
• Individuals who have experienced a traumatic injury to the hip.
• Older adults experiencing degenerative changes and chronic hip pain.
• Patients requiring precise pre-operative planning for procedures like hip arthroscopy or hip replacement.
• Patients whose symptoms are not adequately explained by other imaging modalities like X-rays.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Undergoing a Hip Joint MRI at Cadabams Diagnostics offers several significant benefits:

• Detailed and Comprehensive Imaging: Provides unparalleled soft tissue contrast, allowing for clear visualization of cartilage, labrum, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, far superior to X-rays or even CT scans for these structures. It also provides excellent detail of bone marrow.
• Accurate Diagnosis: The high level of detail helps pinpoint the exact cause and extent of hip problems, leading to a more accurate diagnosis. This is critical for developing an effective and targeted treatment plan.
• Non-Invasive (Typically): A standard Hip Joint MRI is a non-invasive procedure, meaning it does not require incisions or entry into the body (MR Arthrography involves a joint injection but is still considered minimally invasive).
• No Ionizing Radiation: Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safer option, especially if multiple imaging studies are needed or for younger patients.
• Guides Treatment Decisions: The detailed information obtained from a Hip Joint MRI is invaluable in guiding treatment decisions, whether that involves conservative management (like physiotherapy or medication), joint injections, or surgical intervention. It helps ensure that the chosen treatment is appropriate for the specific condition.
• Reduces Need for Exploratory Surgery: In many cases, a Hip Joint MRI can provide a definitive diagnosis, potentially avoiding the need for more invasive diagnostic procedures like exploratory surgery.
• Early Detection of Problems: MRI can often detect subtle abnormalities or early stages of disease before they become apparent on other imaging modalities, allowing for earlier intervention and potentially better outcomes.
• Problem Solving: It can clarify complex cases where symptoms are vague or multiple conditions may be contributing to the patient's discomfort.

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI - Hip Joints

A Hip Joint MRI is instrumental in diagnosing a wide array of conditions affecting the hip. Understanding what conditions can a hip MRI detect highlights its diagnostic power:

• Labral Tears: Acetabular labral tears are a common cause of hip pain and mechanical symptoms. A Hip Joint MRI, especially MR Arthrography, is a key tool for MRI hip joint for labral tear diagnosis.
• Osteoarthritis and other forms of Arthritis: Including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (if sacroiliac joints are imaged). MRI can show cartilage loss, bone spurs, bone marrow edema, and synovitis.
• Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): Both cam and pincer types, along with associated labral and cartilage damage.
• Avascular Necrosis (AVN) / Osteonecrosis: Of the femoral head, a critical diagnosis to make early.
• Tendon Tears or Tendinopathy:
  • Gluteal tendinopathy/tears (often causes lateral hip pain)
  • Hamstring tendinopathy/tears (at the ischial tuberosity origin)
  • Iliopsoas tendinopathy/tears
  • Adductor tendinopathy/tears (groin pain)
• Muscle Strains or Tears: Affecting the hip flexors, extensors, abductors, or adductors.
• Stress Fractures or Occult Fractures: Fractures not visible on X-rays, especially in the femoral neck, pubic rami, or sacrum.
• Bursitis:
  • Trochanteric bursitis (greater trochanteric pain syndrome)
  • Iliopsoas bursitis
  • Ischial bursitis
• Synovitis / Capsulitis: Inflammation of the joint lining or capsule.
• Bone Tumors (benign or malignant) or Soft Tissue Masses:
• Infections: Osteomyelitis (bone infection) or septic arthritis (joint infection).
• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): And its long-term consequences in adolescents and adults, such as associated labral tears or early arthritis.
• Snapping Hip Syndrome: Can help identify the underlying cause (e.g., iliopsoas tendon, iliotibial band, labral tear).
• Nerve Entrapment Syndromes: While not the primary tool for nerve visualization, MRI can sometimes show causes of nerve compression around the hip (e.g., by a cyst or tumor).

The ability of Hip Joint MRI to visualize these diverse pathologies makes it an indispensable diagnostic tool for orthopedic specialists, rheumatologists, and primary care physicians.

Properly preparing for an MRI scan of the hip helps ensure the process goes smoothly and the images obtained are of the highest quality. Here’s what you need to know when coming to Cadabams Diagnostics for your Hip Joint MRI:

Clothing

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing without any metal components such as zippers, buttons, snaps, or metallic threads. Items like sweatpants and a t-shirt are ideal.
• You may be asked to change into a hospital gown to ensure no metallic items interfere with the scan.

Metal Objects

• Remove all metallic objects before entering the MRI scan room. This includes: * Jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings, watches, body piercings) * Hearing aids * Removable dentures or dental bridges that contain metal * Eyeglasses * Hairpins, clips, or barrettes * Coins, keys, pens * Belt buckles
  • Lockers are usually provided for your valuables.

Diet

• For a standard Hip Joint MRI without intravenous contrast, there are usually no special dietary restrictions. You can eat and drink normally.
• If your scan is scheduled with intravenous contrast, or if sedation is planned (though rare for hip MRIs unless for severe claustrophobia), you may be given specific instructions. This might include fasting (no food or drink) for 4-6 hours before the scan. Cadabams Diagnostics staff will inform you of any specific dietary preparations when you schedule your appointment.

Medications

• Continue taking your regular medications as prescribed by your doctor unless specifically instructed otherwise by your doctor or the Cadabams Diagnostics team. It's helpful to bring a list of your current medications.

Inform Staff – Crucial Safety Information

• It is vital to inform the MRI technologist and Cadabams Diagnostics staff about any of the following conditions or devices before your scan: * Any possibility of pregnancy (MRI is generally avoided in the first trimester unless essential). * Any metal implants in your body (e.g., aneurysm clips, pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, neurostimulators, drug infusion pumps, artificial heart valves, stents, joint replacements, bone plates or screws, surgical staples or clips). Many modern implants are MRI-compatible, but it must be verified. * History of working with metal or having metallic foreign bodies (e.g., shrapnel, bullets, metal slivers in the eyes). * Kidney problems or dialysis (important if gadolinium contrast is planned). * Allergies, especially to MRI contrast agents, iodine, or any medications. * Claustrophobia or significant anxiety about enclosed spaces. * Any medication patches (e.g., nicotine, pain relief patches), as some contain metal and can heat up, causing burns. These may need to be removed. * Recent surgeries.

Following these guidelines for preparing for an MRI scan of the hip will contribute to a safe and effective examination.

Pre-requisites

Before you can undergo a Hip Joint MRI at Cadabams Diagnostics, a few pre-requisites are typically needed:

Doctor's Referral/Prescription

In most cases, a Hip Joint MRI requires a referral or prescription from your doctor (e.g., orthopedic surgeon, general practitioner, rheumatologist, sports medicine physician). This ensures the test is medically appropriate for your condition.

Completed Safety Screening Questionnaire

You will be asked to complete a detailed MRI safety screening questionnaire prior to your scan. This form helps identify any potential contraindications or safety concerns, such as the presence of metallic implants or other conditions that might make an MRI unsafe. It is crucial to answer these questions accurately and completely.

For MRI with Contrast (including MR Arthrography)

• Consent Form: You may need to sign a consent form, especially if contrast material is to be administered.
• Kidney Function Assessment: If intravenous gadolinium contrast is planned, especially if you have risk factors for kidney disease (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, age over 60, known kidney issues), recent blood tests to check your kidney function (e.g., creatinine, eGFR) may be required.

Previous Imaging Reports/Films

If you have had previous imaging studies of your hip (such as X-rays, CT scans, or prior MRIs), it is very helpful to bring these reports and images (or have them sent) to Cadabams Diagnostics. Comparing with previous studies can provide valuable context for the radiologist.

Insurance Information (if applicable)

Have your insurance details ready if your scan is being covered by insurance. Pre-authorization may be required by some insurance plans.

Best Time to Take the Hip Joint MRI

• A Hip Joint MRI is generally scheduled by appointment during the operating hours of Cadabams Diagnostics.
• The specific time of day for the scan usually does not impact the quality of a Hip Joint MRI, unless fasting is required for a scan with contrast. In such cases, morning appointments might be preferred by some patients to minimize the fasting period.
• For acute, severe injuries or conditions where urgent diagnosis is critical (e.g., suspected rapidly progressing avascular necrosis or infection), the MRI may be performed more urgently as determined by your referring physician and imaging center availability.
• Otherwise, scheduling is typically based on patient convenience and scanner availability.

Eligibility

Most individuals can safely undergo a Hip Joint MRI. However, there are important eligibility criteria and contraindications:

Who Can Generally Have a Hip Joint MRI

Most people, including those with joint replacements (most modern hip replacements are MRI-safe, but verification is key), surgical screws or plates (again, material dependent and needs verification).

Contraindications (Who Absolutely Cannot or Should Not Have an MRI without Clearance)

This is an absolute contraindication unless the specific device is certified as "MRI Conditional" and appropriate protocols are followed under cardiologist/specialist supervision.

• Patients with certain electronic or metallic implants:
  • Pacemakers or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs): Most are not MRI-safe.
  • Cochlear (inner ear) Implants:
  • Certain older types of Aneurysm Clips in the brain (especially ferromagnetic ones).
  • Some Neurostimulators (e.g., spinal cord stimulators, deep brain stimulators).
  • Certain Drug Infusion Pumps.
• Presence of metallic foreign bodies in critical locations: Especially metal fragments in or near the eyes (risk of movement and damage), or certain parts of the brain or major blood vessels.
• It is vital you disclose any history of metal work (welding, grinding) or penetrating injuries where metal fragments might be present. An X-ray may be needed to check for metal before the MRI.

Relative Contraindications / Precautions (Discuss with Your Doctor and Cadabams Diagnostics Staff)

• Pregnancy: While MRI is not known to cause harm to the fetus, it's generally avoided during the first trimester as a precaution, unless absolutely essential for the mother's health and alternative imaging is not suitable. If you are or might be pregnant, inform your doctor and the MRI staff.
• Severe Kidney Disease (Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 4 or 5, or on dialysis): If gadolinium-based contrast material is being considered, there's a risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), a rare but serious condition. Your kidney function will be assessed.
• Severe Claustrophobia: If you have extreme fear of enclosed spaces, discuss this when scheduling. Options at Cadabams Diagnostics may include premedication with a sedative prescribed by your doctor, or potentially referral to a facility with an open MRI scanner if suitable for the diagnostic needs of a Hip Joint MRI.
• Inability to Lie Still: Patients who cannot remain still for the required duration (typically 30-60 minutes) due to pain, neurological conditions, or age (e.g., very young children) may find it difficult to obtain clear images. Sedation might be an option in some cases.
• Medication Patches with Metal: Some transdermal patches contain metallic components and can overheat, causing skin burns. These must be removed before the scan.
• Large Tattoos with Metallic Ink: Older tattoo inks, especially dark ones, sometimes contain metallic particles that can heat up during an MRI, though this is rare. Inform the technologist if you have large, dark tattoos in the hip area.

The safety screening process at Cadabams Diagnostics is designed to identify any potential issues before your Hip Joint MRI.

Procedure for Taking a Hip Joint MRI

Understanding how a hip MRI is performed can help alleviate any anxiety and prepare you for the experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens during your Hip Joint MRI at Cadabams Diagnostics:

1. Check-in & Preparation:

   • You will arrive at Cadabams Diagnostics, check in for your appointment, and confirm your personal details.
   • You will be asked to complete or review the MRI safety screening questionnaire.
   • If you haven't already, you will likely be asked to change into a metal-free hospital gown.
   • You'll be instructed to remove all metallic items (jewelry, watches, hearing aids, etc.). Lockers will be provided for your belongings.
   • An MRI technologist will review your questionnaire, explain the procedure, and answer any questions you may have.

2. Positioning on the Scanner Table:

   • You will be asked to lie down on a padded, motorized table that slides into the MRI scanner. For a Hip Joint MRI, you will usually lie on your back (supine position).
   • A special device called a surface "coil" may be placed around your hips or pelvis. This coil acts as an antenna to help receive the radiofrequency signals from your body and is crucial for obtaining high-quality images of the hip joint.
   • The technologist will ensure you are positioned correctly and as comfortably as possible. Straps or cushions may be used to help you stay still and maintain the correct position.

3. Entering the Scanner:

   • Once you are comfortably positioned, the technologist will slide the scanner table into the opening of the large, cylindrical (or tube-shaped) MRI machine. Your head will be near the opening of the scanner or partially inside, depending on the specific scanner design and the area being imaged. Some scanners are open on the sides.
   • The technologist will leave the scan room but will be able to see you through a window and communicate with you via an intercom system at all times. You will be given a call bell or squeeze ball to alert the technologist if you need assistance or feel uncomfortable.

4. During the Scan:

   • Remain Still: It is absolutely crucial to remain as still as possible during each imaging sequence. Even small movements can blur the images and may require sequences to be repeated, lengthening the scan time.
   • Loud Noises: The MRI machine produces loud thumping, knocking, clicking, or buzzing sounds as it acquires images. These sounds are normal. You will be provided with earplugs or headphones to help reduce the noise. Music can often be played through the headphones.
   • Communication: The technologist will communicate with you between sequences to let you know how long the next scan will take and to check on your comfort.
   • Sensations: You generally won't feel anything during the scan itself, although some people report a slight warming sensation in the area being imaged. This is usually normal, but if you feel any discomfort, inform the technologist immediately.
   • Duration: A typical Hip Joint MRI takes between 30 to 60 minutes. The exact duration depends on the number of imaging sequences required and whether contrast material is used.

5. Contrast Injection (if applicable):

   • If your doctor has ordered a Hip Joint MRI with contrast, or if MR Arthrography is being performed:
     • Intravenous (IV) Contrast: Partway through the scan, the technologist may pause the imaging. A nurse or technologist will inject a gadolinium-based contrast agent into a vein in your arm or hand. You might feel a cool sensation as the contrast enters your vein. After the injection, more images will be taken.
     • MR Arthrography: For this procedure, the contrast agent is injected directly into your hip joint by a radiologist before you enter the MRI scanner. This injection is performed using imaging guidance (like ultrasound or fluoroscopy) to ensure accurate placement of the needle. You may feel some pressure or fullness in your hip during and after the injection.

6. Completion of the Scan:

   • Once all the necessary images have been acquired, the technologist will slide the table out of the scanner.
   • The coil will be removed, and you will be assisted off the table.
   • If you had an IV line for contrast, it will be removed.

7. After the Scan:

   • You can usually change back into your clothes and resume your normal activities immediately after a standard Hip Joint MRI without sedation.
   • If contrast was used, you might be asked to wait for a short period (10-15 minutes) to ensure you don't have any immediate reaction, although this is rare.
   • If you received sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and should follow any specific post-sedation instructions.
   • For MR Arthrography, you might be advised to rest your hip for a day and avoid strenuous activity as per the radiologist's instructions.

This detailed explanation of how a hip MRI is performed should give you a clear picture of what to expect during your visit to Cadabams Diagnostics.

Caution Before Taking the Test

It is absolutely critical for your safety and for the quality of the Hip Joint MRI scan that you inform the technologist and/or radiologist at Cadabams Diagnostics before the scan about any of the following:

• Possibility of Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant, you must inform the staff. MRI scans are generally avoided during the first trimester unless medically crucial.
• All Metal Implants, Devices, or Fragments: Provide a complete list and history of any metal inside your body, including:
  • Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
  • Cochlear (inner ear) implants
  • Aneurysm clips (especially older types in the
  • Neurostimulators (e.g., for pain, bladder control, or brain stimulation)
  • Implanted drug infusion pumps
  • Artificial heart valves
  • Stents (coronary, peripheral, etc.)
  • Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder, etc. – provide details if known)
  • Bone plates, screws, pins, or rods
  • Surgical staples or clips
  • Shrapnel, bullets, or metallic slivers (especially if in or near the eyes)
  • Metallic intrauterine devices (IUDs)
  • Dental implants or fixed bridgework (usually not an issue, but disclose)
• History of Kidney Disease or Dialysis: This is extremely important if gadolinium contrast is being considered, due to the risk of NSF in patients with severe kidney dysfunction.
• Allergies: Disclose all allergies, particularly any previous reaction to MRI contrast agents, iodine-based contrast, or any medications.
• Claustrophobia or Anxiety: If you suffer from severe claustrophobia or anxiety about enclosed spaces, discuss this beforehand.
• Medication Patches: Some transdermal patches (for nicotine, pain, hormones, etc.) contain metal and must be removed to prevent skin burns. Always inform the staff about any patches you are wearing.
• Recent Surgeries: Inform the staff about any recent surgical procedures.
• Inability to Lie Still: If you have a condition that makes it difficult for you to lie still for an extended period.

Providing this information accurately and completely is essential for your safety during the Hip Joint MRI procedure.