MRI of the bony pelvis and hips
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MRI of the bony pelvis and hips

Pelvis and hip MRI in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Pelvis MRI in Tunis: pelvic bones, hips, sacroiliac joints and nearby muscles, for hip or buttock pain.

What is it?

An MRI of the pelvis examines the bony ring of the pelvis, both hip joints, the sacroiliac joints (between the base of the spine and the pelvis), as well as the muscles, tendons and nerves of the region. It is requested for hip, groin or buttock pain that cannot be explained by an X-ray: it can show early damage to the head of the femur (osteonecrosis), a stress fracture, inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, or a tendon or muscle injury. It is most often performed without an injection; gadolinium is used for certain indications. If your doctor requests it, it can be combined during the same session with an MRI of the lumbar spine or a brain MRI.

When is it indicated?

Hip pain with a normal X-ray

It can show early damage to the head of the femur or a fracture that is invisible on X-ray.

Suspected sacroiliitis (inflammatory rheumatism)

It looks for inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, useful in diagnosing certain rheumatic diseases.

Muscle or tendon injury of the hip and groin

Especially in athletes, it identifies a muscle tear or a tendon problem.

Bone lesion of the pelvis

It characterises a bone abnormality found on another test.

Preparation

1Remove jewellery, watch, piercings, hair clips, bank cards and any metal object before entering the scanner room
2Tell us in advance about any pacemaker or defibrillator, implant (cochlear implant, neurostimulator, pump), surgical clip, heart valve, prosthesis or metal fragment: some are MRI-compatible, others are not
3Tell us about a hip replacement or orthopaedic hardware (usually compatible, but it may affect the images)
4Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be
5Let us know if you are afraid of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia): the team will support you and your doctor can prescribe a mild sedative
6If an injection is planned, tell us about any kidney disease, allergy or past reaction to a contrast agent; a recent blood test (creatinine) may be requested
7Bring your X-rays of the pelvis and hips

Procedure

1

You change in a cubicle and put your metal objects in a locker

2

You lie on your back, with a coil placed on your pelvis; your feet may be held in place to stop them from turning

3

The scanner makes loud, repetitive noises while the images are being taken: headphones or earplugs are provided

4

You need to keep still during each series of images so that they are sharp

5

If an injection is needed, the contrast agent (gadolinium) is given through a small drip in your arm during the examination

6

You stay in contact with the team through a microphone and a call bell that you hold in your hand

7

After the examination, you can return to your usual activities straight away

Duration

About 20 to 30 minutes

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Precautions and contraindications

No X-rays: MRI does not use ionising radiation
Not possible with a pacemaker, defibrillator or implant that is not MRI-compatible, or with a metal foreign body in the eye
Allergic reaction to gadolinium: rare, and usually mild (redness, itching)
In case of severe kidney failure, the gadolinium injection is avoided or adjusted by the doctor
During pregnancy, MRI is only performed if it is really useful, and usually without an injection
You may feel enclosed inside the tunnel; the examination can be stopped at any time

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.

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