Mri scan for hip?

First I believe you and hear you! Has he been to a rheumatology doctor? I suffered with my pain all my life and I was basically brushed off and they said I had anxiety because they didn’t investigate. Then I went to a rheumatologist, and he told me I had Ehlers Danlos syndrome, the hyper mobility type, and I may have the vascular type as well. They did a MRI to rule out MS in 2017 and even though I had pain in my body and basically everything hurt they didn’t investigate. I advocated and went to a rheumatologist and was diagnosed with both HEDS and Fibromyalgia with severe nerve pain in my hips, legs, and shoulders. I am now on Lyrica. Definitely research it, get a second, third or fourth opinion if you have to! I almost died because of my old team of doctors didn’t investigate and decided it was in my head!

Hello @sunshinesally Researching the need for an MRI before arthroplasty implants brought up quite a few articles from different orthopedic practices (their websites) about the improvements in hip replacements with precision offered with the technology of the MRI. Also it allows the doctor to check for any tiny bone fractures not seen with an X-ray. The MRI can also pick up bruising on bones, checks for muscle, ligature and tendon interference, etc.

According to Radio Graphics (rsna.org)
“Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has evolved into a powerful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of hip arthroplasty implants.”
https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/abs/10.1148/rg.344140010?journalCode=radiographics
Hopefully this helps allay your fears. I would think if his surgeon was at all concerned about anything amiss, he’d have discussed this with your husband at the consultation. But the doctor may want another tool to make sure your husband’s procedure goes smoothly. You could always call the surgeon’s office to ask about the MRI as well.

If your husband is at all uncomfortable with this scan…lying still or feeling claustrophobic, have his doctor offer an anti anxiety med such as lorazapam (Ativan). Has your husband ever had an MRI?

Thanks both.

Yes think he has.

TY, I've wondered about this and will keep it in mind when I have an ortho appointment soon.

After 2 years of docs insisting my hip pain and inability to bear weight was caused by my spine, I finally had another hip x-ray. Turns out I need a THR, no MRI necessary thus far. After researching this, I get it, am relieved, and can't wait to get it done so I can walk again after 2 years! The only problem, as usual, is that I have to wait months to see the doc.

I saw a surgeon about hip replacement and he said that I didn't need one. Then, I got a second opinion who said I did need a hip replacement. Today, I am getting a third opinion. Exhausting.

What did the surgeon who said you didn't need one say he could do for you instead to help you?

He didn’t say anything about that, but he sent me for an MRI.
None of these surgeons so far have talked about alternatives to surgery.
I am limping and in pain. On too many pain meds. Mostly over the counter, but Tramadol that I had to beg for. At first, pain doctor wouldn’t give me the Tramadol, so I was taking my dog’s tramadol. When I told her this, she relented and prescribed it for me.

So, I saw the third surgeon yesterday. He looked at the MRI and then did his own x-rays. He said that I do need a hip replacement and I believe him. He had many compelling things to say about this - for example, when the pain doctor gave me a cortisone injection in the hip the pain went totally away. He also said that my back pain and sciatica was probably coming from the hip. I scheduled the surgery for June 26, but wish I could have it today.