Imaging · London
Private hip MRI in London, read by a musculoskeletal radiologist.
Indicative pricing
What a hip MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£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.
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.
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Not sure if you need one?
Sometimes physiotherapy or a specialist review is the better first step.
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Not sure who reads it?
It is worth checking that a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reports the study.
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.
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.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional.
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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. Your hospital can supply this information.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray.
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Claustrophobia
A hip scan places you near the centre of the bore.
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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.
Ask the clinician who requested the test to talk you through it before your follow-up.
- 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
Frequently asked
Common questions 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?
An MR arthrogram or both hips cost more.
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Do I need a referral for a hip MRI?
Most clinics accept self-referral for a standard hip MRI.
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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. You should be told 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.
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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?
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 metal-artefact-reduction sequences are used.
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Will my insurance cover a hip MRI?
Most policies cover hip MRI when clinically indicated and pre-authorised.
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Is a hip MRI safe?
With no ionising radiation, it is one of the safest tests there is. Certain metal implants are checked for beforehand.