Imaging · London
Private pelvic MRI in London, read by a consultant radiologist.
General pelvic imaging - bones, joints, muscles and soft tissue. (For endometriosis, fibroids or ovarian assessment, see the women’s pelvic MRI page.)
Indicative pricing
What a pelvic MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£300-£600, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelvis MRI (standard, without contrast) | £300–£600 | 25–40 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Pelvis MRI with contrast (gadolinium) | £450–£850 | 40–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Hip & pelvis combined | £450–£800 | 40–60 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Soft-tissue / mass characterisation | £450–£900 | 40–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Sacroiliac joint protocol | £350–£650 | 30–45 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Dynamic MRI for a suspected hernia | Quoted case by case | Varies | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether a contrast arthrogram is used.
The problem
The pelvis holds bone, joint and soft tissue in a small space.
Pelvic pain can come from the bones, the sacroiliac joints, muscle, or a soft-tissue mass. The right protocol, a good scanner and a consultant radiologist reading it are what turn a scan into an answer.
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Not sure if you need one?
Sometimes an ultrasound or a specialist review is the better first step.
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General or gynae imaging?
This page is general pelvic imaging. For endometriosis, fibroids or ovarian questions see the women’s pelvic MRI page.
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Not sure who reads it?
Look for clinics where a consultant radiologist reports the study.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
Pelvic pain has many sources - bone, joint, muscle and soft tissue. These are the questions a pelvic MRI settles most.
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Pelvic & hip-bone problems
Images the pelvic ring and hip bones for stress fractures, bone-marrow change and unexplained pain.
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Sacroiliac joint & inflammation
The key test for sacroiliitis and inflammatory back and buttock pain.
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Soft-tissue masses & lumps
Detects and characterises masses in the pelvis, and helps tell benign from suspicious.
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Muscle & groin injuries
Assesses the hip and groin muscles behind sports injuries and chronic groin pain.
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Hernias & wall defects
Dynamic imaging can show a sportsman’s hernia or wall defect that is hard to feel.
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Nerve-related & referred pain
Helps trace pelvic and buttock pain to a nerve, joint or the lower spine.
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Lymph nodes & staging support
Assesses pelvic lymph nodes and supports staging alongside your specialist team.
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Post-surgery review
Assesses the result of previous pelvic surgery and looks for a new or recurrent problem.
Pelvic MRI types
Not all pelvic scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard pelvic MRI
Images the pelvic bones, joints, muscles and soft tissue. No injection needed.
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Pelvic MRI with contrast
A gadolinium injection to characterise a mass, inflammation or infection.
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Sacroiliac joint protocol
Focused sequences on the SI joints for suspected sacroiliitis and inflammatory pain.
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Soft-tissue mass protocol
Tailored to define a lump - its origin, extent and likely nature.
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Hip & pelvis combined
Covers the pelvis and both hips in one visit when the source of pain is unclear.
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Dynamic hernia MRI
Imaging with strain to reveal a sportsman’s hernia or wall defect.
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Post-operative pelvis
Tailored to assess previous pelvic surgery and separate it from a new problem.
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3T high-resolution
A stronger magnet for sharper detail of small pelvic structures.
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
A few situations need a specific check before a pelvic scan.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional.
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Hip replacements and pelvic metalwork
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. The scanning centre will need this from your hospital.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray.
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Claustrophobia
A pelvic 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 pelvic report can look intimidating. It isn't.
Almost every pelvic report is built the same way - four parts, in order.
A quiet reminder
It is written for your doctor, not for you - and that is fine.
If you would like it explained before your follow-up, ask your GP or specialist.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the scan performed, and the clinical question behind the referral.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used (T1, T2, STIR, and diffusion where needed). Each highlights tissue differently.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structured description of the pelvic bones, joints, soft tissues and organs, including any incidental findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion in brief - read this first. Your specialist discusses it in context.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Frequently asked
Common questions about pelvic MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, claustrophobia and results.
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What can a pelvic MRI show?
The pelvic bones and hips, the sacroiliac joints, muscles and groin, soft-tissue masses and lumps, hernias, lymph nodes and the result of previous surgery. For gynaecological questions, see the women’s pelvic MRI page.
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How much does a private pelvic MRI cost in London?
Adding contrast, combining with the hips or characterising a mass costs more.
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Is this the same as a women’s pelvic MRI?
Not quite. This page covers general pelvic imaging - bones, joints and soft tissue. For endometriosis, fibroids or ovarian assessment, the women’s pelvic MRI page is the right one.
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Do I need a referral for a pelvic MRI?
Many pelvic MRIs accept self-referral, but some protocols and any contrast study are safer with a letter.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
Not for most routine pelvic scans. Contrast is added mainly to characterise a mass, or when infection or inflammation is suspected. The clinic should explain in advance if it is likely.
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How long does a pelvic MRI take?
Most pelvic scans take about 25-40 minutes. Adding contrast or combining regions extends it. You lie still on your back throughout.
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Can I have a pelvic MRI if I am claustrophobic?
A pelvic scan places you near the centre of the bore.
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How quickly will I get the results?
A consultant radiologist report is usually ready in 24-72 hours. With your consent, the report and images can be shared with your GP or specialist.
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Will my insurance cover a pelvic MRI?
Most policies cover pelvic MRI when clinically indicated and pre-authorised.
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Is a pelvic MRI safe?
It is one of the safest tests in medicine - no ionising radiation.