Magnetic resonance imaging of the bony pelvis and its joints
Bony pelvis MRI in Casablanca
Bony pelvis MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves, without X-rays. It examines the bony framework of the pelvis (iliac bones, sacrum, pubis), the hip and sacroiliac joints, as well as the nearby muscles and tendons. It helps to understand pain in the pelvic girdle or to clarify an abnormality seen on an X-ray. It should not be confused with pelvic MRI, which is dedicated to the organs of the lower pelvis such as the bladder, the uterus or the prostate.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, a little longer with an injection.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Persistent pain in the pelvis or groin when the X-ray is normal.
- Suspected stress fracture or a fracture that went unnoticed.
- Search for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (damage to the bone due to a lack of blood supply).
- Suspected inflammation of the sacroiliac joints or of the pubic symphysis.
- A bone lesion or muscle mass in the region that needs to be investigated.
- Follow-up of an infection of a bone or joint of the pelvis.
How the exam is done
A radiographer goes over the safety questions with you, then you change and leave your metal objects in the locker. You lie on your back, your knees sometimes supported by a cushion, with a flexible coil placed over your pelvis.
The table moves forward until your hips are at the center of the ring. The machine makes regular knocking sounds, reduced by headphones or earplugs. Stay perfectly still, without clenching your buttocks or moving your feet: the slightest movement blurs the images. You keep a call button in your hand and the team can hear you through a microphone. At the end, the table moves out, you get dressed and return to your activities.
Preparation
- Generally no special preparation: meals and your usual medication are allowed.
- Remove jewelry, piercings, watch, belt and bank cards before entering the room.
- If pain prevents you from lying down for a long time, take your usual painkiller before you come, in agreement with your doctor.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
Depending on the indication (infection, tumor, joint inflammation), gadolinium may be injected into a vein in the arm through a small catheter placed at the start of the exam.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker or defibrillator: the exam is possible only if the device is declared MRI compatible.
- Neurostimulator, cochlear implant, implanted pump, older clip placed on a blood vessel in the brain.
- Metal fragment in the body, especially in the eye, even a very old one.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Severe kidney failure, if an injection is being considered.
- Tattoos, permanent makeup, fear of enclosed spaces: please tell us when you book.
Documents to bring
- Doctor's prescription
- Previous X-rays, CT scans or MRIs of the pelvis or hips
- List of your current medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
- Recent kidney function test (creatinine) if an injection is planned
- Implant card or report of the hip replacement surgery
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a bony pelvis MRI varies with the region to be covered and the possible addition of gadolinium in case of infection, tumor or joint inflammation.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a bony pelvis MRI and a pelvic MRI?
Bony pelvis MRI examines the bones and joints: iliac bones, sacrum, hips, pubis, as well as the nearby muscles. Pelvic MRI focuses on the organs located in the lower pelvis, such as the bladder, the uterus, the ovaries or the prostate. Settings and preparation differ: check the wording on your prescription carefully.
I have a hip replacement: can I have the exam?
Most often yes; a hip replacement is not in itself a contraindication. However, the metal can create blurred areas around the implant. Tell us about it and, if possible, bring the surgical report: the radiologist will adjust the settings to limit these artifacts.
Are both hips examined at the same time?
Generally yes: the field of the exam covers both sides, which makes it possible to compare the painful hip with the other one. For a very detailed analysis of a single joint, your doctor may prefer to prescribe a hip MRI.
Why an MRI when my X-ray is normal?
Some abnormalities are not yet visible on an X-ray: an early stress fracture, bone edema, osteonecrosis at an early stage. MRI is sensitive to these changes and can provide additional information. Your doctor decides whether it is useful.
Bony pelvis MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a bony pelvis MRI varies with the region to be covered and the possible addition of gadolinium in case of infection, tumor or joint inflammation. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.