Start with the question
Hip and groin pain has many causes: joint arthritis, a labral tear, tendon problems, a sports hernia, or pain referred from the back. An X-ray shows bone and established arthritis. It does not show cartilage or the labrum well.
When MRI is the useful next test
- Pain continues and the X-ray looks normal.
- A surgeon is considering a hip arthroscopy.
- Doctors need to separate joint pain from tendon or muscle pain.
A standard hip MRI looks at the joint and surrounding tendons. An MR arthrogram, with fluid injected into the joint, is sometimes used when a labral tear is the specific question. That is a different appointment from a plain MRI.
Limits
MRI does not prove which finding is causing the pain. Labral changes are common in people who have no symptoms. The report has to be read with your examination, not instead of it.