Skip to main content

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.

A stethoscope on a clinical desk

Indicative pricing

What an MR arthrogram actually costs in London.

Indicative ranges across UK private providers.

In short

£850–£1,700, reported in 48–72 hours.

Scan type Indicative range
Shoulder MR arthrogram £900–£1,700
Hip MR arthrogram £900–£1,700
Knee MR arthrogram £850–£1,600
Wrist MR arthrogram £850–£1,600
Ankle MR arthrogram £850–£1,600
MR arthrogram + consultant review £1,100–£2,000

Prices vary by joint, clinic, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether the injection is performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopy.

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.

  • Direct or indirect arthrogram?

    Direct arthrography (injected contrast) gives the best detail. Indirect (IV contrast) can be enough for some questions.

  • Not sure who reads it?

    It is worth checking that a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist performs the injection and reports the study.

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.

  • Labral tears

    SLAP and Bankart tears at the shoulder, and labral tears of the hip - the classic reason for arthrography.

  • Fine cartilage detail

    Contrast outlines the joint surface, showing subtle cartilage flaps and delamination invisible on plain MRI.

  • Subtle ligament tears

    Partial-thickness and small full-thickness tears of intra-articular ligaments become far easier to see.

  • Shoulder & hip instability

    Assesses capsule, labrum and ligaments after a dislocation or in suspected instability.

  • FAI (hip impingement)

    Femoroacetabular impingement - cam or pincer morphology with associated labral and cartilage damage.

  • TFCC tears (wrist)

    The triangular fibrocartilage complex on the ulnar side of the wrist - a common cause of ulnar-sided pain.

  • Post-op recurrent tear

    Preferred after previous surgery, where scar tissue makes a plain MRI harder to interpret.

  • When not to do one

    Not for severe infection risk, uncontrolled anticoagulation or true gadolinium allergy - these are screened for first.

MR arthrogram types

Not all arthrograms are the same.

What each joint-specific and technique-specific option is actually for.

  • Shoulder MR arthrogram

    Labrum, rotator cuff undersurface and biceps anchor - the gold standard for suspected labral tears and instability.

  • Hip MR arthrogram

    Acetabular labrum, cartilage and FAI morphology. Requested when a plain MRI leaves questions.

  • Knee MR arthrogram

    Post-operative meniscus and cartilage repair review, or subtle intra-articular tears missed on standard MRI.

  • Wrist MR arthrogram

    TFCC and intercarpal ligaments - often the only way to catch small perforations reliably.

  • Ankle MR arthrogram

    Osteochondral lesions, impingement lesions and small ligament tears in a chronically unstable ankle.

  • Elbow MR arthrogram

    Ulnar collateral ligament tears in throwers, and subtle osteochondral lesions of the capitellum.

  • Direct vs indirect MR arthrogram

    Direct: contrast injected into the joint (highest detail). Indirect: intravenous contrast - no injection, slightly less detail.

  • MR arthrogram + ultrasound-guided injection

    The injection performed under real-time ultrasound for accuracy, then MRI immediately after.

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.

  • Injection into the joint

    A small needle is placed into the joint under image guidance. Expect a brief stinging sensation.

  • Contrast is dilute gadolinium

    A highly dilute gadolinium solution is injected - the amount reaching the bloodstream is very small.

  • Sterile technique

    A strict sterile protocol keeps joint infection risk in the region of one in ten thousand.

  • Some post-injection soreness

    A dull ache in the joint for 24–48 hours is normal. Simple pain relief and ice help.

  • Kidney function checked

    A recent eGFR is needed before gadolinium contrast, particularly if you have kidney disease.

  • Rest the joint that day

    Avoid heavy loading of the joint for the rest of the day - normal activity the next day.

  • Driving straight after

    Someone else drives you home.

  • Pregnancy

    Gadolinium contrast is avoided in pregnancy unless truly essential - alternatives are discussed.

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 consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reviewing MR arthrogram images on a clinical workstation in Central London

A quiet reminder

It is written in clinical shorthand for your specialist, not for you.

Ask the clinician who requested the test to talk you through it before your follow-up.

  1. 01 Header

    Your details, joint and clinical question

    Your details, which joint was scanned, and the specific question your referrer set.

  2. 02 Technique

    Injection route and contrast used

    How the contrast was placed into the joint (image guidance used), volume and dilution of gadolinium.

  3. 03 Findings

    What the radiologist saw

    A structure-by-structure description of labrum, ligaments, cartilage and joint capsule, with any incidental findings.

  4. 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

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Frequently asked

Common questions about MR arthrogram.

Quick answers on cost, referrals, injection, safety and results.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. A private consultation is one way to obtain a referral if you do not already have one.

  • 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.

  • Is gadolinium contrast safe?

    The dilute gadolinium used in an arthrogram is well tolerated. True allergy is rare.

  • 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.

  • How quickly will I get the results?

    A consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reports the study, usually within 48–72 hours. With your consent, the report and images can be shared with your GP or specialist.

  • 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.

Related content

Looking for a different scan?

In practice, in London

The London pathway for mr arthrogram

NHS waiting times for mr arthrogram vary by area and by how urgently the referral is graded. Some people choose to be seen privately instead; availability, cost and report turnaround vary between providers, so it is worth asking about them directly.

A private pathway for mr arthrogram usually involves a consultant appointment, any tests carried out at a CQC-registered facility, and a written report that is also shared with your GP. The format and speed of the report depend on the provider.

The right specialist depends on what you need - a second opinion, a definitive diagnosis, a bridge into treatment, or reassurance. Your GP can help you decide whether mr arthrogram is the right next step.