Concierge imaging · London
Private MR arthrogram in London, read by a musculoskeletal radiologist.
A specialist joint MRI performed after direct contrast injection into the joint — the gold-standard for subtle labral tears, cartilage detail and post-operative assessment. Performed by an MSK radiologist.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A named clinician throughout
You deal with one person the whole way — not a call centre or an online form.
- 02
Genuinely independent
No clinic pays for our recommendation. We match you on merit, and it costs you nothing.
- 03
A vetted MSK panel
A small London network of musculoskeletal radiologists trained in arthrographic injection.
Indicative pricing
What an MR arthrogram actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A private MR arthrogram in our network: £850–£1,700, reported in 48–72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulder MR arthrogram | £900–£1,700 | 60–90 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Hip MR arthrogram | £900–£1,700 | 60–90 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Knee MR arthrogram | £850–£1,600 | 60–90 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Wrist MR arthrogram | £850–£1,600 | 60–90 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Ankle MR arthrogram | £850–£1,600 | 60–90 min | 48–72 hrs |
| MR arthrogram + consultant review | £1,100–£2,000 | 90–120 min | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by joint, clinic, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether the injection is performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopy. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A plain MRI can miss the tear. An arthrogram usually finds it.
Labral tears, small cartilage flaps and TFCC perforations are notoriously subtle. Filling the joint with contrast first separates the surfaces and lets a musculoskeletal radiologist read the study with confidence.
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Not sure if you need one?
A standard MRI is usually the right first step. We advise honestly if an arthrogram will add anything.
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Direct or indirect arthrogram?
Direct arthrography (injected contrast) gives the best detail. Indirect (IV contrast) can be enough for some questions.
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Not sure who reads it?
We route only to clinics where a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist performs the injection and reports the study.
The journey
From enquiry to report — what happens, in order.
One person, first message to final report — and usually done inside a week.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~60–120 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which joint, direct or indirect arthrogram, indicative price. If a plain MRI is better, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Often within the week. Insurer pre-authorisation and referral for injection handled.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and safety check
Kidney function, allergy and anticoagulation checks completed. Change and remove metallic items.
- 05
On the day
Contrast injection and scan
Sterile injection of dilute gadolinium into the joint under image guidance, then the MRI itself. 60–120 minutes total.
- 06
On the day
Home to rest the joint
Some soreness for 24–48 hours is normal. We advise on driving and activity for the joint scanned.
- 07
After
Report and next steps
Consultant musculoskeletal radiologist report in 48–72 hours. We route it to your GP or specialist.
Typical end-to-end: 3–7 days. Urgent cases: within 48 hours.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
An arthrogram is a targeted test — this is what a musculoskeletal radiologist is usually asked to look for.
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Labral tears
SLAP and Bankart tears at the shoulder, and labral tears of the hip — the classic reason for arthrography.
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Fine cartilage detail
Contrast outlines the joint surface, showing subtle cartilage flaps and delamination invisible on plain MRI.
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Subtle ligament tears
Partial-thickness and small full-thickness tears of intra-articular ligaments become far easier to see.
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Shoulder & hip instability
Assesses capsule, labrum and ligaments after a dislocation or in suspected instability.
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FAI (hip impingement)
Femoroacetabular impingement — cam or pincer morphology with associated labral and cartilage damage.
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TFCC tears (wrist)
The triangular fibrocartilage complex on the ulnar side of the wrist — a common cause of ulnar-sided pain.
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Post-op recurrent tear
Preferred after previous surgery, where scar tissue makes a plain MRI harder to interpret.
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When not to do one
Not for severe infection risk, uncontrolled anticoagulation or true gadolinium allergy — we screen first.
MR arthrogram types
Not all arthrograms are the same.
What each joint-specific and technique-specific option is actually for.
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Shoulder MR arthrogram
Labrum, rotator cuff undersurface and biceps anchor — the gold standard for suspected labral tears and instability.
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Hip MR arthrogram
Acetabular labrum, cartilage and FAI morphology. Requested when a plain MRI leaves questions.
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Knee MR arthrogram
Post-operative meniscus and cartilage repair review, or subtle intra-articular tears missed on standard MRI.
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Wrist MR arthrogram
TFCC and intercarpal ligaments — often the only way to catch small perforations reliably.
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Ankle MR arthrogram
Osteochondral lesions, impingement lesions and small ligament tears in a chronically unstable ankle.
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Elbow MR arthrogram
Ulnar collateral ligament tears in throwers, and subtle osteochondral lesions of the capitellum.
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Direct vs indirect MR arthrogram
Direct: contrast injected into the joint (highest detail). Indirect: intravenous contrast — no injection, slightly less detail.
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MR arthrogram + ultrasound-guided injection
The injection performed under real-time ultrasound for accuracy, then MRI immediately after.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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CQC-registered clinics with a good or outstanding rating
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MSK radiologists trained in arthrographic injection
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3T scanners for maximum labral and cartilage detail
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Sterile injection protocol with formal infection surveillance
Safety and eligibility
A safe test, with a small injection to plan for.
A few things need checking before the injection — kidney function, allergies, anticoagulation. We handle these before you arrive.
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Injection into the joint
A small needle is placed into the joint under image guidance. Expect a brief stinging sensation.
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Contrast is dilute gadolinium
A highly dilute gadolinium solution is injected — the amount reaching the bloodstream is very small.
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Sterile technique
A strict sterile protocol keeps joint infection risk in the region of one in ten thousand.
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Some post-injection soreness
A dull ache in the joint for 24–48 hours is normal. Simple pain relief and ice help.
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Kidney function checked
A recent eGFR is needed before gadolinium contrast, particularly if you have kidney disease.
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Rest the joint that day
Avoid heavy loading of the joint for the rest of the day — normal activity the next day.
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Driving straight after
For a lower limb arthrogram (hip, knee, ankle) we advise not driving straight after. Someone else drives you home.
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Pregnancy
Gadolinium contrast is avoided in pregnancy unless truly essential — we discuss alternatives.
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Anticoagulation may need pausing
Blood thinners can sometimes need pausing before the injection — we check with your prescriber first.
Reading your report
An arthrogram report can look intimidating. It isn't.
Every arthrogram report is laid out the same way, in four parts.
A quiet reminder
It is written in clinical shorthand for your specialist, not for you.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details, joint and clinical question
Your details, which joint was scanned, and the specific question your referrer set.
- 02 Technique
Injection route and contrast used
How the contrast was placed into the joint (image guidance used), volume and dilution of gadolinium.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structure-by-structure description of labrum, ligaments, cartilage and joint capsule, with any incidental findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The short answer, up top — read this first. Your specialist talks it through with you.
Recognised by major UK insurers
What is covered depends on your policy and the clinic — we confirm with your insurer first.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about MR arthrogram.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, injection, safety and results.
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What is an MR arthrogram?
An MR arthrogram (MRA) is a specialist joint MRI performed after dilute gadolinium contrast has been placed into the joint. The contrast distends the joint capsule and outlines the labrum, ligaments and cartilage in fine detail.
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How is it different from a standard MRI?
A standard MRI shows the joint from the outside in. An arthrogram fills the joint with contrast first, which separates surfaces that would otherwise be pressed together — making subtle labral, ligament and cartilage tears far easier to see.
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Why do you need to inject directly into the joint?
Direct injection distends the joint and reliably reaches the labrum and small intra-articular ligaments. Indirect (intravenous) contrast can work but produces less detail, so direct arthrography is preferred for labral tears and post-operative assessment.
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How much does a private MR arthrogram cost in London?
From about £850 for a wrist, knee or ankle arthrogram, up to £1,700 for a shoulder or hip arthrogram in our network. We confirm a firm figure across two or three clinics within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
Yes — an arthrogram requires a doctor to perform the injection, so it needs a referral from a specialist or GP. We can fast-track a private consultation if you do not already have one.
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Does the injection hurt?
The skin is numbed first, so most people describe a brief pressure or stinging when the contrast goes in. It is uncomfortable rather than truly painful, and it lasts less than a minute.
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Is gadolinium contrast safe?
The dilute gadolinium used in an arthrogram is well tolerated. True allergy is rare. We check kidney function beforehand, and gadolinium is avoided in pregnancy unless essential.
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What is aftercare like?
Rest the joint for the remainder of the day. A dull ache for 24–48 hours is normal — simple pain relief and ice help. Return to normal activity the next day unless we advise otherwise.
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How quickly will I get the results?
A consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reports the study, usually within 48–72 hours. With your consent we pass the report and images to your GP or specialist.
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When should I see a GP instead?
If you have new, severe joint pain with fever, an inability to bear weight after trauma, or signs of infection in a joint, please see a GP or A&E first — an arthrogram is a planned diagnostic test, not an emergency assessment.
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