Hip MRI Scan: Complete Guide

A hip MRI scan provides detailed images of the hip joint, including the femoral head, acetabulum, labrum, surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The hip is a large weight-bearing joint, and MRI is the best method for identifying soft tissue injuries that X-rays cannot show. Through Lola Health, private hip MRI scans are available at over 150 UK centres.

What a Hip MRI Scan Shows

• Labral tears — damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) lining the hip socket.
• Avascular necrosis (AVN) — loss of blood supply to the femoral head causing bone death.
• Osteoarthritis — cartilage loss, bone spurs, and joint degeneration.
• Stress fractures — including femoral neck stress fractures common in runners.
• Tendinopathy — inflammation or degeneration of hip tendons, including gluteal tendinopathy and iliopsoas tendinitis.
• Bursitis — inflammation of the trochanteric or iliopsoas bursa.
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) — cam or pincer-type bone abnormalities causing hip pain.
• Muscle tears — hamstring origin tears, adductor injuries, or hip flexor strains.
• Synovitis and joint effusion — inflammation within the hip joint.
• Tumours — bone or soft tissue tumours around the hip.

When You Might Need a Hip MRI Scan

• Persistent hip or groin pain not responding to treatment
• Clicking, catching, or locking sensation in the hip
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods
• Pain during or after exercise, particularly running
• Hip stiffness reducing range of motion
• Hip pain at night
• Suspected stress fracture in a runner or athlete
• Pre-surgical assessment for hip arthroscopy or replacement
• Hip pain with normal or inconclusive X-ray findings

How to Prepare

• Metal check: Declare all implants, particularly any hip replacement hardware.
• Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal.
• No fasting required.
• Arrive 15 minutes early for screening.

What to Expect During the Scan

1. Positioning: Lie on your back with your legs slightly apart. A body coil is placed over the hip region.
2. Duration: 30 to 45 minutes typically.
3. Keeping still: Important to avoid moving your legs during the scan.
4. Contrast: An MR arthrogram (contrast injected into the joint) may be used for labral tear assessment.
5. After: Resume normal activities. Continue following any injury management advice.

How Much Does a Hip MRI Scan Cost?

Private hip MRI scans in the UK typically cost between £350 and £750. Lola Health offers competitive pricing with fast appointments and full radiologist reports.

Hip MRI and Blood Testing

• Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR): Elevated levels may suggest inflammatory arthritis, infection, or avascular necrosis.
• Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP: Help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hip.
• Uric acid: Gout can affect the hip joint, though it is more common in smaller joints.
• Vitamin D and calcium: Important for bone health and stress fracture risk assessment.
• Full blood count: Helps identify infection, sickle cell disease (a cause of AVN), or other systemic conditions.
• HbA1c: Diabetes is a risk factor for avascular necrosis and can affect healing.

Start with a Lola Health blood test to check your inflammation markers, uric acid, calcium, and vitamin D. If results suggest further investigation, a hip MRI can provide the structural detail your blood results can't show. Peak Insights 70 covers these markers across 70 biomarkers.

Pair your hip MRI with a Lola Health blood test for a full assessment.

Considering a broader check? Read our full body MRI scan guide to see what a complete MRI screening covers, or explore the Peak 70 + Full Body MRI bundle for the most thorough health check available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a hip MRI detect a labral tear?

Yes. MRI, especially with arthrogram technique, is excellent at identifying labral tears.

Is it painful?

The scan itself is painless. Lying in one position may be uncomfortable if your hip is already painful.

Do I need a referral?

No. Book directly through Lola Health.

Can MRI show early arthritis?

Yes. MRI can detect early cartilage changes, bone marrow oedema, and joint inflammation before they become visible on X-ray.

How quickly do I get results?

Typically within a few working days from a consultant radiologist.

Can I have a hip MRI with a hip replacement?

Most modern hip replacements are MRI-compatible, but metal artefact may limit image quality. Inform the centre about your implant.

What is the difference between a hip MRI and a hip X-ray?

X-rays show bone and can identify fractures and advanced arthritis. MRI shows soft tissues (labrum, cartilage, tendons) and bone marrow, providing far more diagnostic detail.