MRI PELVIS WITH BOTH HIP JOINTS (BONES)

Introduction 

MRI Pelvis With Both Hip Joints (Bones) is an imaging study that has revolutionized diagnostic imaging and clinical decision making due to it relatively being a non-invasive imaging test and also provides very detailed images of the soft tissues and vascular structures of the pelvis, bones, hip joints, and surrounding area alongside the muscles as compared to traditional imaging modalities such as X-rays or CT scans. There are multi-tailored applications where such MRI can be useful like detecting fractures, arthritis, tumours etc. The procedure has its own merits where it is free of radiation which could be harmful to the body as it employs the use magnetic fields, radio waves and strong magnets. 

What is MRI Pelvis with Both Hip Joints (Bones)? 

MRI Pelvis with Both Hip Joints is commonly used in diagnosis imaging and detail on the internal organs. Such as hips, bones, surrounding muscles and Blood vessels are captured in this advanced imaging technique. This technique is effective for professionals working in healthcare field who specialize in surgery of the bone due to the benefit it provides in terms of diagnosing mendable bones that are misplaced or broken as well as disorders that affect the soft tissues in the pelvic or hip region. 

Types of MRI Pelvis with Both Hip Joints 

• Standard MRI: Details of bones and surrounding tissues are captured in the images provided. 
• Contrast Enhanced MRI: Images depicting places of infection, tumours or other existing abnormalities is enhanced with contrast to probe their vascularity. 
• Functional MRI: Investigates movements of the joints as well as the functioning of the cartilage. 
• MR Arthrography: This involves the injection of a contrast dye into the hip joint to enhance the visualizations of soft tissues and cartilage. 

Evaluation of the hip joints for alignment and any detectable pathology 

• Detection of bone breaks, luxation, or degenerative alterations 
• Pathological changes in the soft tissues like muscles or ligaments which may indicate traumatic injuries 
• Condition of the cartilage and space between bones and joints. 
• Identification of neoplasms, cysts or infections 

Undiagnosed pain localized to pelvis and hip regions. 

• An early stage of avascular necrosis 
• Hip dysplasia or hip deformity or any congenital growths 
• Labral tear, joint instability evaluation 
• Evaluation before and after surgical procedures 

When and Who Needs an MRI Pelvis with Both Hip Joints? 

Indications: 

• Ongoing pain in the hip or pelvis area.  
• Possible fractures or dislocations of the hip. 
• Assessment of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. 
• Evaluation of the infections in the hip joints or avascular necrosis.  
• Tracking congenital hip dysplasia. 
• Planning a hip replacement surgery and other orthopaedic procedures. 

Demographic of Patients: 

• Those suffering from chronic pain in the hip region. 
• Sports persons with stress fractures or injuries to the hip joint. 
• Patients with a medical history of tumours in the pelvic region. 
• Patients with congenital or advanced joint disorders. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Imaging technique that doesn't involve injury to the body or radiation 
• Defines the boundaries of the soft tissues, thus offering precise diagnosis 
• Primary diagnostic step beforehand after treatment 
• Examination reveals changes in bones, cartilage and ligaments 

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Pelvis with Both Hip Joints

• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis 
• Hip labral tears and joint instability 
• Vascular necrosis (death of bone due to blood supply cessation) 
• Fractures of the hip bone or stress marks 
• Neoplasm, cyst, and inflammatory changes of the pelvic or hip zone. 
• Congenital hip dysplasia 

• Dress in loose and comfortable clothing 
• Take off any electronic devices and metal jewellery 
• Tell the technician about all surgical implants, if pregnant, or any medical issues 
• If contrast is used, fasting may be necessary 

Pre-requisites 

• No prior allergy to contrast (if contrast-enhanced MRI is indicated) 
• Requires pre-medication for anxiety or claustrophobia 

Best Time to Take the MRI of Pelvis and Both Hip Joints 

• Following doctor’s orders 
• Scheduled within the timeframe to minimize waiting time and guarantee readiness 

Eligibility:  

Considered safe for most patients, except those with incompatible metal implants or pacemakers 

Procedure for Taking an MRI Pelvis with Both Hip Joints 

• Patient is placed on the MRI couch in a lying position 
• For clearer images, a coil may be fitted around the pelvis and hips region 
• Images are taken through the movement of magnetic fields and radio waves around the MRI scanner 
• This procedure lasts for 30 – 60 minutes 
• For clearer images, dye may be injected if needed 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

• Tell the radiologist if there are any metal implants or pregnancy present 
• Do not move during the scan for clear images