Advanced Hip MRI in Houston & Dickinson

Understand the examination

About Hip MRI

Hip MRI provides detailed images of the joint and nearby soft tissues. The referring clinician specifies the side and the question the examination is intended to answer.

Prefer an open scanner? Open Hip MRI at Walters Road explains the open examination and positioning.

The hip joint and its surrounding tissues

Hip MRI can investigate the joint as well as nearby soft tissues. The labrum surrounds the socket, while cartilage covers the joint surfaces. Tendons and muscles around the hip contribute to movement and can be relevant when pain occurs outside the joint. The clinician uses the examination to decide which structures need attention. Describe whether symptoms are felt in the groin, outer hip, buttock or another area, and which activities provoke them. A focused hip study is designed around a clinical question; it should not be assumed to provide a complete assessment of every pelvic organ or the lumbar spine.

Impingement, labral findings and movement

Femoroacetabular impingement involves abnormal contact associated with the shape of the hip bones. It can be associated with damage to the labrum or cartilage, but the finding is assessed alongside symptoms and movement. MRI can add soft-tissue detail to an assessment that may also use radiographs. The useful follow-up question is how the imaging finding relates to the activities that cause your pain and what it changes about treatment. A report describing a labral abnormality is not enough, by itself, to choose surgery. The clinician considers the whole joint, the history and the response to other care.

Bone questions may require a different emphasis

MRI can help assess a suspected fracture that is not clear on earlier imaging and can identify changes associated with osteonecrosis, a condition involving loss of blood supply to bone. These are different clinical questions from a labral injury. Tell the referring clinician about an injury, difficulty bearing weight and any known risk factors or previous bone conditions. When a fracture is suspected, follow the clinician’s advice about activity while the evaluation is underway. Do not use a routine appointment to delay urgent assessment after a significant injury or when you cannot safely walk.

Hip pain can overlap with symptoms from the back

Pain felt around the hip is not always generated by the hip joint. Spinal and hip problems can coexist, which makes the physical examination and symptom pattern particularly useful. If a hip MRI shows a finding, ask whether that finding explains the main limitation or whether another source is still being considered. Describe any pain extending down the leg and any change in sensation or strength. Keep earlier hip and spine reports available when relevant. The aim of the results discussion is to connect the evidence with the next care decision, rather than select the most alarming term from whichever report is newest.

Scan Preparation

A doctor’s order is required before your scan. Discuss implants, prior surgery, possible pregnancy and earlier contrast reactions with the imaging team. Have device information available for safety screening. Ask for clothing, food and medication instructions for the ordered examination.

Check the details on your order

A dedicated right or left hip examination differs from a general pelvis MRI. Confirm the side, any contrast instructions and whether the order requests an arthrogram. Mention previous hip replacement or other hardware, and ask about the protocol before committing to a location.

During the MRI

The team explains positioning and communication for the scan. Follow instructions about staying still and any brief breathing steps. Ask before the scan begins how to raise a concern, and tell the technologist if you need help.

Imaging Results & Reports

Your radiologist’s report goes to the ordering clinician, who will explain the findings and next steps. Contact our records team for copies of your images or report.