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 availability, qualified doctors often recommend 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. During the study of the hip joint, several thin sections of a single three-dimensional image are made. Immediately after the procedure, doctors examine the images and give the results with a transcript to the patient. After an examination of the hip joints (MRI) is performed, the obtained images should be shown to the attending physician who issued the 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 position among the common pathologies of the articular apparatus. The most common causes of severe hip pain are:
- infectious diseases;
- bruises and other mechanical damage (dislocations and fractures);
- aseptic necrosis of the femoral head;
- inflammatory processes;
- tuberculosis;
- inflammatory reactions in autoimmune connective tissue diseases.
Benefits of MRI
MRI of the hip joint what shows? Thanks to diagnostics, it is possible to obtain images 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 needs to be examined. Quite often, doctors prescribe this type of diagnosis without the introduction of a contrast agent, which also allows you to see the organs and soft tissues in detail.
Advantages of MRI over traditional imaging methods:
- the patient is not exposed to ionizing radiation;
- non-invasive method;
- high information content when obtaining the results of the study of the joints;
- the procedure is completely painless;
- in MRI, unsafe X-rays are replaced by radio waves, which does not harm human he alth;
- it is possible to examine an area smaller than 1cm;
- MRI is a rather sensitive procedure, which improves the accuracy of the examination;
- it is possible to study not only transverse, but also longitudinal sections;
- MRI can be performed even for children and in some cases pregnant women.
Indications for the procedure
Like other research methods, MRI of the hip joint has the following indications:
- arthritis and arthritis diseases;
- unreasonable pain in the thigh;
- hemorrhages in the joint;
- mechanical damage to muscles, ligaments and tendons (tears and sprains);
- hip injury (dislocation);
- postoperative control;
- monitoring during drug treatment;
- preparation for surgery;
- tumors, swelling of tissues and stiffness in the movements of the hip joint;
- nerve damage;
- abnormal joint structure;
- different kinds of infectious diseases.
Contraindications
The hip joint, which MRIcontraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, it is investigated in these cases by more gentle methods. The procedure should not be performed on those who have metal objects on their body, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, pacemakers, etc. Before the MRI, the patient must 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 to sleep with medication for a while);
- who have diseases in which a person cannot be in one position for a long time;
- who suffers from epilepsy, has seizures, and often faints;
- who has chronic kidney failure.
In addition, it is not recommended to do MRI 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 strong magnetic field of the device.
Preparing for an MRI
Before the examination on the tomograph, the hip joint, the MRI of which is planned to be done, is examined by a doctor, and then the date and time of the procedure are set. Usually, in preparation for an MRI of the hip, you do not need to refuse food or follow any diet. The patient should be dressed in loose clothingwithout metal parts. Before the procedure, the doctor conducts a brief briefing and examines the outpatient card. It is recommended that you arrive at the medical center 30-40 minutes prior to your MRI as additional time is needed for the injection of contrast.
Contrast material
This drug is injected into an organ or cavity in the body, less often into the bloodstream in order to improve the visualization of the internal relief. The contrast is injected intravenously in a volume of 5-20 ml into the hip joint, the 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, compared with iodine-containing substances, causes allergic reactions much less frequently. The procedure for the introduction of a contrast agent is painless and is not accompanied by discomfort or adverse reactions.
What does an MRI show?
Today, MRI is considered one of the most effective methods for diagnosing a wide variety of diseases, and is also an excellent option for a clarifying study. What does an MRI of the hip show? Through the procedure it is possible to see:
- malignant and benign tumors;
- pinched tendons;
- condition and structure of soft and bone tissues;
- different types of arthritis and arthrosis;
- infectious lesions;
- pathological changes due to surgery or other reasons;
- metastases in the joint area.
How an MRI is performed
The hip joint is diagnosed, 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 agent - about 1 hour. The patient is fixed on the table in the supine position, after which the table drives into the rounded part of the tomograph. During the diagnostic process, the rounded part rotates around the area to be examined. The key to obtaining accurate and really high-quality images is the immobile position of the body throughout the tomography. If necessary, next to the patient can be his relatives and relatives. In the process of conducting MRI diagnostics, specialists monitor the patient and the operation of the tomograph using a video camera. During MRI, the patient may hear a rhythmic loud sound of different tone and level from the operation of the MRI scanner.
Where to get an MRI?
Where to do an MRI of the hip joint? Of course, you need to undergo a study in a specialized medical center that has serviceable modern equipment. It is recommended to discuss the location of the MRI in Moscow in advance with the attending physician, who will be able to issue a referral for diagnostics to the right specialist. If pain in the hip joint and pelvic bones suddenly began to bother you, you can choose a clinic and a doctor on your own and undergo an examination without an appointment. It is not recommended to independently decipher the pictures and even more so to make a diagnosis. After an MRI (in Moscow or another city - it doesn’t matter), you need to consult with a qualifiedspecialist.
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 itself will be recorded. An MRI of the hip joint, the price of which also depends on the scope of the examination, should be performed only by a qualified worker with skills in working with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. On average, an MRI of the hip joint costs from 3,000 rubles to 10-12,000 rubles.
In medical practice, X-rays, MRI of the hip joint are often used by orthopedic traumatologists to make a clear diagnosis and to control treatment. It is worth noting that MRI is still considered a more modern, safe and informative diagnostic method. Today, diagnostics using magnetic resonance imaging has come to the fore among the technologies for studying diseases of the hip joint.
