MRI of the hip: what shows, holding
Currently, significantly increased the number of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The hip joint is the largest in the human body, and to him is the main burden, which increases the likelihood of developing joint abnormalities. For the diagnosis of pathological manifestations in the hip region is used MRI of the hip joint is the most informative method, which allows to quickly put the correct diagnosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging is very popular due to the high accuracy of the results – in a short time, the doctor gets an exact three-dimensional image of the desired object. In addition, MRI of the hip joint is completely harmless method of examination – it is based on the chemical effects of electromagnetic waves on human tissue. The technique is widely used in traumatology and rheumatology.
MRI of the hip is indicated in any painful feelings in the pelvis of unknown origin. In addition to pain, there are certain already diagnosed diseases and conditions in which MRI required:
- Pelvic pain of unknown origin.
- Cracks and fractures in the region of the joint that are not visible on x-ray.
- Stiffness and limited joint mobility.
- Arthritis of the hip joint associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatism.
- Traumatic injuries – ligaments and tendons the accumulation of blood and fluid in the joint cavity.
- Habitual dislocation.
- Bursitis, osteoporosis, arthritis, myositis.
- Tumor affecting bone and soft tissue in the joint.
- Infectious diseases.
- Degenerative processes in the joint.
- Damage or compression of nerve trunks.
- Examination before surgery and also for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.
- The inability of the CT and x-rays.
This is not a complete list of indications for MRI of the hip — method is indispensable in the diagnosis of many joint pathologies. The main reason for the purpose of Mr-imaging is the diagnosis of cancer diseases, identifying the exact boundaries of the tumor, the incidence of metastases.
The patient requires no special preparation for MRI of the joint. No need to follow a diet and take special medicinal substances.
Description of the research
Before a session of MRI of the hip joint, the patient should prepare suitable clothes – she needs to be comfortable, not constrain movements and not to contain metal decorations. To obtain an accurate picture of the patient should keep perfectly still, so it’s best to worry about their own comfort.
After that, go to documents associated with the disease, which assigned the study: medical records, MRI, the results of the previous surveys. Before scanning, be sure to remove all jewelry and pull out of the pockets of keys, phones and Bank cards – they can be left in a special safe. Very important before you go for the scan to verify the absence of contraindications – presence of metal objects in the body of the patient is an absolute contraindication to MRI.
Comparison of MRI, CT and radiography
Radiography is a method of research which allows to obtain x-ray mapping of the structures on special paper or film. X-ray is the best available method and is used for the primary diagnosis of diseases of the hip joint in the case when there are clear clinical symptoms. Like all methods of examination, x-ray has positive and negative sides. Unlike MRI, radiography and CT is accompanied by a certain dose of ionizing radiation and images do not give an idea about the functional status of the hip joint. In addition, it is impossible to survey the desired area in layers, and to obtain information about the state of the soft tissues – they are not visualized during an x-ray. Radiography good in conducting primary surveys and doing an MRI to confirm the diagnosis in controversial cases.
Computed tomography (CT) is a method of examination based on the effects of x rays — this involves circular scan conversion of electrical signals into an image by a special computer program. CT scan clearly shows bone tissue compared to MRI, however it can not be carried out often – ionizing radiation, underlying CT and x-rays, has harmful effects on the human body.
MRI is more informative in the examination of cancer and determine the condition of the soft tissues, and CT in the diagnosis of traumatic lesions.
Which method is better? The choice depends on the purpose of the survey and testimony – in some cases it will be enough to perform x-rays, others will require an MRI or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis.