Hip MRI

MRI of the hip joint evaluating the acetabular labrum, articular cartilage, femoral head, and surrounding musculature. Identifies labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement morphology, early avascular necrosis, and osteoarthritic changes.

Hip MRI at PrivatMRT Berlin provides comprehensive imaging of the hip joint and its surrounding structures, including the acetabular labrum, the articular cartilage of the femoral head and acetabulum, the joint capsule, the ligamentum teres, and the periarticular tendons and bursae (particularly the gluteal tendons and the iliopsoas). Labral tears are a common finding, especially in younger, active patients, and are associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). MRI can identify both cam-type (femoral head asphericity) and pincer-type (acetabular over-coverage) morphologies that predispose to labral and chondral damage. In patients over 50, the scan primarily evaluates the degree of cartilage loss, subchondral cyst formation, and osteophyte development characteristic of hip osteoarthritis. Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) of the femoral head is another important diagnosis that MRI can detect earlier than any other imaging modality. Signal changes in the femoral head marrow on T1 and STIR sequences can identify avascular necrosis before structural collapse occurs, when treatment options are most effective. Risk factors include corticosteroid use, alcohol consumption, and certain autoimmune conditions. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome -- involving gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric bursitis -- is increasingly recognised as a distinct entity and is well assessed on MRI. The scan takes approximately 25 minutes with the patient lying supine. No preparation or contrast agent is required for the standard protocol. The structured radiologist report covers each anatomical component and can be shared with an orthopaedic surgeon for surgical planning or with a physiotherapist for targeted rehabilitation.