Preparation
An MRI examination of the hip usually does not require any special preparation. An informative conversation is held with the doctor, in which all possible questions can be answered. In addition, the doctor should be informed about any possible incompatibilities with contrast media.
The doctor should also be informed about any claustrophobia that may exist, so that he can consider whether a sedative should be given in such cases. If you have a pronounced claustrophobia, you can also read about the possibilities of an MRI of the hip under our topic MRI for claustrophobia. Before the examination is started, all metal-containing objects must be removed from the body.
This applies to jewelry, piercings and metal on clothing, such as underwired bras, trouser buttons, etc. Chip cards, such as EC cards, wallets and keys may not be taken into the examination room, as they are attracted by the strong magnetic field and can thus damage the patient and the MRI machine. The same applies to all electronic devices, such as cell phones or MP3 players.
Contraindications
Patients who have a built-in pacemaker or an implantable defibrillator (ICD) must not normally undergo magnetic resonance imaging, as both the patient and the device may be damaged. There have been pacemakers available for some time that can withstand the examination; this should be clarified with the doctor in advance. The doctor should also be informed of any metal parts used, such as wires in bones or artificial mechanical heart valves.This person must then decide whether the examination can be performed. An artificial inner ear (cochlea implant) is also a contraindication for an MRI examination of the hip. In the case of a known functional impairment of the kidney, magnetic resonance imaging can be performed, but the administration of contrast agents should be avoided.
Procedure of an MRI of the hip
When all metal parts have been removed, the MRI examination can begin. The patient lies down on a couch which can be moved into the MRI tube. For an MRI of the hip, the patient is driven head first into the tube until the hip is also inside the tube.
People who suffer from claustrophobia should report this to their doctor beforehand so that he can prescribe a sedative if necessary. Before the patient is driven into the tube, they are given sound-proof headphones or earplugs with music to their ears. These are intended to muffle the loud knocking noises that are produced by the device during the examination.
In addition, the patient is given a switch in his or her hand which he or she can press if, for some reason, he or she wants to be taken out or is not feeling well. The radiology assistants are located in an adjacent room, but can follow the examination through a glass pane and see when the button is pressed by the patient. The two rooms are connected via an intercom system.
The MRI examination of the hip is completed after about 15 to 20 minutes. If additional images are taken with a contrast medium, this is injected after the first row is finished and a second image is taken. Following the actual MRI examination, a final consultation is held with a radiologist, who evaluates the images.
