Skip to content
Cart
Sampling fee?

The sample collection fee is a fixed cost that refers to the visit to the clinic where you submit your sample. The fee is not affected by how many tests you have ordered, but varies depending on the order value:

  • For order values under SEK 350, the sampling fee is SEK 129.
  • For order values between SEK 350 and SEK 1000, the fee is SEK 59.
Free sampling fee

For purchases over 1000 SEK, the sampling fee is included.

component_bartruet4
Testmottagningen logo
en
sv
Testmottagningen logo
Search blood tests or MRI scans

When is it worth doing an MRI of the hip and pelvis, and what can it reveal?

2025-09-16

When is it worth doing an MRI of the hip and pelvis, and what can it reveal?

An MRI scan provides detailed images of bones, joints, and soft tissues. It is often performed for pain or injury in the hip and pelvis when X-ray or ultrasound is not sufficient.

MRI Hip joint and pelvis

MRI Hip joint and pelvis

Magnetic resonance imaging

5 795 kr

Health checks for increased well-being

Read more

Contents

Quick version

What can be seen on an MRI of the hip & pelvis?

MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional images. During an MRI scan, both bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and organs are visualized – unlike X-ray, which mainly shows bones, or ultrasound, which is useful for superficial soft tissues and fluid collections. MRI provides a more comprehensive view when the cause is unclear.

What can – and cannot – be detected?

An MRI of the hip and pelvis is often used to investigate persistent or recurrent pain. Examples of conditions that can be detected with MRI include:

  • Injuries to cartilage, tendons, muscles, and the labrum
  • Stress fractures or small skeletal changes
  • Inflammation in joints or surrounding tissue
  • Changes in muscles, tendons, or ligaments
  • Tumors, cysts, or abnormalities in pelvic organs such as the uterus, prostate, and bladder

However, MRI is not always the best option. It is a more time-consuming examination than ultrasound or X-ray, which is why X-ray is often preferred in cases of acute fractures. MRI is also not the best method for detecting small calcium deposits.

Choice of examination method

Even though MRI can provide a lot of information, it is always a radiologist – a doctor specialized in diagnostic imaging – who decides which method is most appropriate. The decision is based on your description of symptoms, the referring physician’s clinical question, and which technique is most likely to give clear answers.

How is the examination performed?

An MRI machine usually consists of a large, round scanner with a cylinder that surrounds the body. You lie on a table that slides into the MRI scanner. Around the cylinder is technology that sends out radio waves and collects signals, which are then transformed into images on a computer. The machine is large and can feel somewhat narrow, but it is open at both ends. The examination usually takes 30–45 minutes, and it is important to lie still for the images to be clear. The scanner makes loud knocking sounds, so ear protection or music is often provided. In some cases, a contrast agent is injected into the bloodstream to enhance visibility of, for example, inflammation or tumors.

Questions and answers

Contrast agents are sometimes used during an MRI scan to improve image quality and more clearly distinguish different tissues. This makes it easier to detect tumors, inflammation, vascular changes or other abnormalities that may otherwise be difficult to see.

MRI contrast usually contains the substance gadolinium, which is injected into a blood vessel in the arm. The agent spreads via the bloodstream and makes certain structures, such as blood vessels and tumor tissue, appear more clearly in the images.

Contrast agents are only used when necessary – for example, if changes in the brain, spinal cord, certain organs or blood vessels are suspected. It is generally very safe, but patients with severely impaired kidney function may need to be assessed specifically before use.

MRI scanning (magnetic resonance imaging) is a very safe and gentle method. Unlike regular X-rays or computed tomography (CT), no X-rays are used. Instead, images are created using powerful magnetic fields and radio waves, which makes MRI completely radiation-free.

MRI is used daily in healthcare and has no known long-term side effects in healthy people. The examination is therefore safe to perform even on repeated occasions or for sensitive groups, such as children or pregnant women after week 12 - if there is a medical indication.

There are certain restrictions on metal in the body, such as pacemakers, implants or old surgical clips, because the magnetic field can affect these. Therefore, all patients must fill out a safety form before the examination. MRI is also safe for the vast majority of people with claustrophobia, but you can be sedated before the examination if necessary.

Yes, according to Swedish law, a medical referral is required to perform an MRI examination. When you book through us, the referral is included in your order, so you do not need to contact a health center or other healthcare provider while waiting for the referral to be issued.

After you have chosen the type of MRI scan you want to perform, we issue the referral as your referrer. Once the purchase is complete, you simply activate the referral yourself via our digital sample response service. In connection with the activation, you are allowed to choose the clinic (hospital or X-ray unit) where the examination will be performed.

You are also required to answer a number of mandatory medical questions that are sent with the referral, for example if you have implants, medical conditions or allergies. This information is important for your safety and for the clinic to be able to plan the examination correctly. When the referral is activated, it is sent directly to the clinic you have chosen. You will then receive an invitation for your MRI examination. Everything happens digitally – safely, quickly and without detours via the health center.

Yes, cancer can often be detected with the help of an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging). MRI is one of the most advanced methods for visualizing soft tissues, organs, bones and the nervous system – and provides very detailed images without using X-rays.

MRI is often used when tumors in the brain, spine, prostate, liver, pancreas, ovaries or other organs are suspected. The examination helps the doctor see the size, shape, spread and relationship of the tumor to surrounding tissue.

It is important to know that MRI alone cannot always confirm whether a change is benign or malignant. In some cases, additional investigation with biopsy, blood tests or other imaging methods is needed. However, MRI is often the best first step when cancer is suspected.

Yes, MRI is often more suitable for hip pain as it provides more detailed information about soft tissues and cartilage. However, it depends on the cause of the pain – for example, X-ray is more effective for detecting fractures and osteoarthritis.

Yes, MRI can show cartilage changes and early signs of osteoarthritis, but X-ray is more commonly used to confirm the diagnosis.

Yes, MRI can clearly show both small and large muscle injuries in the hip and pelvic area.

Not always. Contrast is used if the doctor wants to see inflammations, tumors, or blood vessels more clearly.

No, MRI is completely painless, but some people may feel discomfort from lying still in the tunnel.

Many modern pacemakers are MRI-compatible, but not all. This must always be checked before the examination.

Special preparations may be required before an MRI scan, for example fasting. The specific preparations you need to follow will be stated in your appointment letter.

Relaterade tester

MRI Hip joint and pelvis
  • Recommended for hip pain, stiffness or lameness
  • Painless MRI examination with a high level of detail
  • MRI Hip/Pelvis – referral and appointment booked directly

5 795 kr