Concierge imaging · London
Private hip MRI in London, read by a musculoskeletal radiologist.
We match you to a vetted London clinic, handle the booking, and stay with you through the consultant report - from labral tears and impingement to cartilage wear, avascular necrosis and post-op review.
Why patients choose us
- 01
One clinician who stays with it
From your first message to the final hip report, you deal with the same person.
- 02
We take nothing from clinics
No referral fees, ever - so the clinic we suggest is the right one for you, and free.
- 03
A tightly vetted London panel
A handful of centres, re-checked twice a year on scanner quality and reporting.
Indicative pricing
What a hip MRI 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 single hip MRI in our network: £275-£550, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip MRI (single hip, without contrast) | £275–£550 | 25–40 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Both hips | £450–£850 | 45–60 min | 24–72 hrs |
| MR arthrogram (with contrast injection) | £450–£900 | 45–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Labral / impingement (FAI) protocol | £350–£650 | 30–45 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Avascular necrosis (AVN) protocol | £300–£600 | 25–40 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Post-operative / replacement review | £300–£600 | 25–40 min | 24–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether a contrast arthrogram is used. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
X-ray shows the bone. The labrum and cartilage need MRI.
The labrum, cartilage and tendons that usually drive hip pain do not show on X-ray. The right protocol, a 3T scanner and a musculoskeletal radiologist reading it are what turn a scan into an answer. We handle all three.
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Not sure if you need one?
We will say honestly - sometimes physiotherapy or a specialist review is the better first step.
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Standard scan or arthrogram?
Most hips need a standard MRI; some subtle labral tears are clearer with a contrast arthrogram. We advise which.
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Not sure who reads it?
We route to clinics where a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reports the study.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
A single point of contact from enquiry to report - usually inside a week.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~30 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 protocol, which clinic, indicative price. If a scan is not the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Often same or next day, including evenings and Saturdays. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and safety check
Change into shorts or a gown, remove anything metallic. We have pre-completed the safety questionnaire.
- 05
On the day
In the scanner
25-40 minutes. Your hip sits near the centre of the scanner, so the radiographer positions you with care.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time. Drive, eat and work as normal.
- 07
After
Report and next steps
Consultant musculoskeletal radiologist report in 24-72 hours. We route it to your GP or specialist.
Typical end-to-end: 3-7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
Groin pain, a catching hip or a limp can each mean something different. These are the questions a hip MRI answers most.
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Labral tears & impingement (FAI)
Detects tears of the labrum and femoroacetabular impingement behind groin pain in active hips.
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Cartilage wear & early arthritis
Shows cartilage loss and the earliest signs of osteoarthritis before they appear on X-ray.
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Avascular necrosis & stress
The most sensitive test for lost blood supply to the femoral head, often before any collapse.
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Gluteal tendon & bursa pain
Assesses the gluteal tendons and bursae behind lateral hip pain and a limp.
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Osteoarthritis of the hip
Maps the extent of wear, inflammation and bone-marrow change within the joint.
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Groin & sports injuries
Traces groin strains and sports injuries to the muscle, tendon or joint responsible.
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Referred & nerve-related pain
Helps separate true hip pain from pain referred from the spine or nearby nerves.
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Post-surgery & replacement review
Assesses a hip repair or replacement and looks for a new or recurrent problem.
Hip MRI types
Not all hip scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard hip MRI
The everyday hip scan - joint, cartilage, bone and surrounding soft tissue. No injection needed.
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MR arthrogram
Contrast injected into the joint to show labral tears in fine detail - the standard for suspected FAI.
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FAI / impingement
A focused study of the labrum and bony shape when impingement is suspected.
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AVN protocol
Sequences tuned to pick up avascular necrosis of the femoral head early.
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Gluteal tendon protocol
Targets the gluteal tendons and bursae behind stubborn lateral hip pain.
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Both-hip comparison
Images both hips in one visit when symptoms are bilateral or for a baseline.
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Post-operative hip
Tailored to assess a repair or replacement and separate it from a new problem.
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3T high-resolution
A stronger magnet for sharper detail of the labrum and cartilage surfaces.
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, with a good or outstanding rating
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Hip studies read by a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist
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3T scanners preferred for the labrum and cartilage detail
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Reports returned inside 72 hours as standard
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
A few checks come first - hip replacements and screws are common and almost always MRI-safe. We confirm before you arrive.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional. We check the model before booking.
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Hip replacements, screws and pins
Almost always MRI-safe. They may cause local artefact but rarely a safety concern.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter. We need this from your hospital.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray. We arrange this where required.
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Claustrophobia
A hip scan places you near the centre of the bore. Wide-bore and open MRI are options, and we can arrange mild sedation.
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Dental work, tattoos, coils
Almost always fine. Iron-based tattoo ink may warm slightly - tell the radiographer.
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Pregnancy
No ionising radiation. Generally safe, particularly after the first trimester. Contrast avoided unless essential.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed if a contrast arthrogram is planned.
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Weight and size
Most scanners accommodate up to 200 kg. Wide-bore options for larger patients.
Reading your report
A hip report can look intimidating. It isn't.
However complex the hip, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your surgeon or GP, not for you - and that is normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the hip that was scanned, and the question your referrer wanted answered.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used (proton density, T2, fat-suppressed). Each highlights soft tissue and bone differently.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structure-by-structure description of ligaments, menisci, cartilage and bone, including any incidental findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The key finding, summed up first. Your specialist puts it into context with you.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about hip MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, arthrograms, claustrophobia and results.
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What can a hip MRI show?
Labral tears and impingement (FAI), cartilage wear and early arthritis, avascular necrosis, gluteal tendon problems, groin and sports injuries, and the result of previous hip surgery.
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How much does a private hip MRI cost in London?
A single hip is typically £275-£550 in our network. An MR arthrogram or both hips cost more. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral for a hip MRI?
Most clinics accept self-referral for a standard hip MRI. An arthrogram needs a doctor to perform the injection - we can arrange a fast-track private GP or specialist.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
Not for a standard hip MRI. Contrast is used in an MR arthrogram, injected into the joint to show labral tears - the standard work-up for suspected impingement. We explain in advance if it is recommended.
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Is a hip MRI or an X-ray better?
They answer different questions. X-ray shows the bone and joint space; MRI shows the labrum, cartilage, tendons and bone-marrow that X-ray cannot. We advise which you need.
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How long does a hip MRI take?
A standard hip MRI takes about 25-40 minutes. An arthrogram takes longer because of the injection. You lie on your back throughout.
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Can I have a hip MRI if I am claustrophobic?
Yes - tell us and we will route you to a wide-bore or open MRI, offer music and an eye mask, or arrange a mild sedative. A hip scan places you near the centre of the bore.
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Can it be done after a hip replacement?
Usually yes. Modern replacements are MRI-safe and we use metal-artefact-reduction sequences. We check the implant details before booking.
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Will my insurance cover a hip MRI?
Most policies cover hip MRI when clinically indicated and pre-authorised. We are recognised by Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna and Healix, and we handle the pre-authorisation.
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Is a hip MRI safe?
With no ionising radiation, it is one of the safest tests there is. We simply check for certain metal implants beforehand.