Hip MRI in St. Louis — $399 Flat Rate
Hip MRI can help tell true hip joint problems from pain that originates in the lumbar spine. The two are often confused, so the distinction matters.
Not sure which side? Just pick one — we'll confirm by phone. Or call us.
A doctor's order is required — your provider can fax it to (314) 804-7226.
A Doctor's Order Is Required
We require a doctor's order before we can perform an MRI, and so do Medicare and most insurance plans. No order yet? We can help you get one — most patients arrange it in a day or two.
What the Radiologist Looks For
- Acetabular labral tears
- Femoroacetabular impingement (cam and pincer morphology)
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
- Stress fractures and occult hip fractures
- Gluteal tendinopathy and greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- Hip bursitis
- Cartilage loss and early osteoarthritis
- Muscle strains and tears of the hip girdle
Who Orders This
Ordered for groin pain, clicking or catching in the hip, pain with prolonged sitting, or when lumbar imaging did not explain the symptoms.
How to Prepare
- No fasting or special preparation.
- No jeans, belts, or metal fasteners — you will likely change into a gown.
- Empty your bladder before the scan for comfort.
- Tell us which hip.
Common Questions
Groin and anterior thigh pain points toward the hip. Pain in the buttock traveling down the back of the leg points toward the lumbar spine. If it is genuinely unclear, most clinicians image the lumbar spine first because it explains a wider range of leg symptoms.
It shows the cartilage and bone in detail, but replacement decisions are usually made on weight-bearing X-ray plus your symptoms and function. MRI is more useful for labral and soft tissue questions.
New to MRIs? Read our complete guide to what to expect · More questions? See all FAQs · Read patient reviews
Related Scans
Request Your Hip MRI
Flat rate $399. No insurance required. Same-day appointments by phone.