Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the most high-frequency methods for diagnosing pathological changes in the hip joint. Due to the high information content of the obtained images and accessibility, qualified doctors quite often recommend undergoing tomography in order to make an accurate diagnosis, as well as assess the course of physiological processes, the structure and structure of organs, bones and soft tissues. In the process of examining the hip joint , several thin sections of a single three-dimensional image are produced. Immediately after the procedure, doctors study the images and give the results with a transcript to the patient. After an examination of the hip joints (MRI) will be performed, the images should be shown to the attending physician, who issued a referral for diagnosis.
Causes of Hip Pain
The hip joint is considered the largest in the human body. It provides free movement of the legs in all planes. Various kinds of injuries and bruises, diseases and pathological changes can instantly cause severe pain. According to medical statistics, it is the hip joint that occupies a leading place among the common pathologies of the articular apparatus. The most common causes of severe pain in the hip joint are:
- infectious diseases;
- bruises and other mechanical damage (dislocations and fractures);
- aseptic necrosis of the femoral head;
- inflammatory processes;
- tuberculosis;
- inflammatory reactions in autoimmune diseases of connective tissue.
Benefits of MRI
Hip MRI What shows? Thanks to diagnostics, it is possible to take pictures of literally all body tissues, since it is possible to adjust the duration of the radio wave flow. This type of tomography allows you to identify various kinds of tumors, diseases and pathological changes in the musculoskeletal system and even disorders of the central nervous system. As a result of MRI, you can get a full and three-dimensional image of the area that you need to explore. Quite often, doctors prescribe this type of diagnosis without the introduction of a contrast medium, which also allows you to see in detail organs and soft tissues.
Advantages of MRI over traditional research methods:
- the patient is not exposed to ionizing radiation;
- non-invasiveness of the method;
- high information content when receiving the results of joint research;
- the procedure is completely painless;
- in MRI, unsafe x-rays are replaced by radio waves, which does not harm human health;
- it is possible to explore an area whose size is less than 1 cm;
- MRI is a fairly sensitive procedure, which improves the accuracy of the study;
- it is possible to study not only transverse, but also longitudinal sections;
- MRI can be performed even in children and, in some cases, in pregnant women.
Indications for the procedure
Like other research methods, hip joint MRI indications have the following:
- arthrosis and arthritic diseases;
- causeless pain in the thigh;
- joint hemorrhage;
- mechanical damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons (tears and sprains);
- hip injury (dislocation);
- postoperative control ;
- observation in the process of drug treatment;
- preparation for surgery;
- tumors, tissue swelling and stiffness in the movements of the hip joint;
- nerve damage;
- abnormal structure of the joint;
- various infectious diseases.
Contraindications
The hip joint, whose MRI is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, is examined in these cases by more gentle methods. The procedure should not be done for those who have metal elements on their bodies, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, pacemakers, etc. Before the MRI, the patient should remove metal jewelry, removable dentures, things with clasps, piercings, etc.
The procedure is also contraindicated for those:
- who suffers from claustrophobia (in this case, the patient is put into sleep for some time with the help of medications);
- who has diseases in which a person cannot be in one position for a long time;
- who suffers from epilepsy, has convulsive seizures, and also often faints;
- who have chronic renal failure.
In addition, it is not recommended to do MR diagnostics for those who have colored tattoos made with dyes containing metal compounds. In general, the presence of any metal products in the tomograph is contraindicated, because during the study they can be attracted by the strongest magnetic field of the apparatus.
MRI preparation
Before examination on a tomograph, the hip joint, whose MRI is planned to be done, is examined by a doctor, and after that the date and time of the procedure are assigned. Usually, when preparing for an MRI diagnosis of the hip joint, it is not necessary to refuse food or adhere to any diet. The patient should be dressed in spacious clothing that does not have metal parts. Before the procedure, the doctor briefly instructs and examines the outpatient card. It is recommended to come to the medical center 30-40 minutes before the start of the MRI, as additional time is required for the introduction of contrast.
Contrast agent
This drug is injected into an organ or cavity in the body, less often into the bloodstream in order to improve visualization of the internal relief. Contrast is administered intravenously with a volume of 5-20 ml into the hip joint, an MRI of which is planned to be performed. The substance is excreted from the body within 24 hours. The composition of the contrast includes gadolinium, which, in comparison with iodine-containing substances, causes allergic reactions much less often. The procedure for introducing a contrast medium is painless and is not accompanied by unpleasant sensations or adverse reactions.
What does an MRI show?
Today, MRI is considered one of the most effective methods of diagnosing a wide variety of diseases, and is also an excellent option for a refinement study. Hip MRI What shows? Thanks to the procedure it is possible to see:
- malignant and benign tumors;
- pinching of tendons;
- condition and structure of soft and bone tissues;
- various types of arthritis and arthrosis;
- infectious lesions;
- pathological changes due to surgery or other reasons;
- metastases in the joint area.
How is the MRI procedure performed?
The hip joint is diagnosed, the MRI of which is performed thanks to an accurate and modernly equipped magnetic resonance imaging scanner, within 30 minutes, and with the introduction of a contrast medium - about 1 hour. The patient is fixed on the table in the supine position, after which the table enters the rounded part of the tomograph. In the diagnostic process, the rounded portion rotates around the area that needs to be examined. The key to obtaining accurate and really high-quality images is a fixed position of the body throughout the entire tomography. If necessary, close to the patient may be his close and dear people. In the process of MR diagnostics, specialists observe the patient and the operation of the tomograph using a video camera. With MRI, the patient can hear a loud rhythmic sound of different tones and levels from the work of an MRI scanner.
Where to do an MRI?
Where to get an MRI of the hip? Of course, you need to undergo research in a specialized medical center, which has working modern technology. The location of the MRI in Moscow is recommended to be discussed in advance with the attending physician, who can write out a referral for diagnosis to the right specialist. If pain in the hip joint and pelvic bones began to bother sharply, you can choose a clinic and a doctor yourself and undergo an examination without an appointment. It is not recommended to independently decrypt the pictures and even more so to make a diagnosis. After an MRI (in Moscow or another city - it doesn’t matter), you should consult with a qualified specialist.
Cost
The price of the procedure primarily depends on the regional location of the medical center, as well as on the time of the diagnosis. In many clinics, patients have the opportunity to purchase a CD, on which the result and the examination procedure will be recorded. Hip MRI, the price of which also depends on the volume of the study, should only be performed by a qualified person who has the skills to work with a magnetic resonance imager. On average, the cost for an MRI of the hip joint is from 3 thousand rubles to 10-12 thousand rubles.
In medical practice, X-ray and MRI of the hip are often used by orthopedic trauma doctors to make a clear diagnosis and to monitor treatment. It is worth noting that MRI is still considered a more modern, safe and informative diagnostic method. Today, diagnostics with the help of magnetic resonance imaging came out on top among the technologies for the study of diseases of the hip joint.