Pre-Procedure or Pre-Injection Planning for Hip Conditions: When an MRI Scan Is Necessary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is imaging important before hip injections or procedures?

Hip injections and minimally invasive procedures are intended to target a specific structure, such as:

  • The hip joint
  • A tendon or tendon insertion
  • A bursa
  • Surrounding soft tissues

Without accurate imaging, it is not always clear which structure is actually responsible for the pain, increasing the risk of ineffective treatment.

What types of hip procedures commonly require MRI planning?

MRI is commonly used before:

  • Intra-articular hip injections
  • Tendon or bursal injections
  • Image-guided procedures
  • Decisions about further intervention or referral

MRI helps ensure the planned treatment matches the underlying pathology.

Why can injections fail without prior MRI?

Injections may fail when:

  • The pain source is incorrectly assumed
  • Multiple pathologies coexist but only one is treated
  • Structural damage (e.g. labral or cartilage injury) is missed

This often leads to repeated procedures with limited or temporary benefit.

Why is MRI important before hip procedures?

Core Medical Principles

  • MRI is one of the most accurate imaging modalities currently available.
  • Without accurate imaging, no doctor—regardless of experience—can reliably make a precise diagnosis.
  • Without accurate diagnosis, treatment plans become generic, presumptive, and often fail.
  • Many failed treatments are due to trial-and-error care without imaging.
  • Based on modern medical technology and current standard of care, MRI should be considered before hip injections or procedures.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI provides a comprehensive view of joint surfaces, cartilage, labrum, tendons, bursae, and surrounding soft tissues.

Why are clinical assessment and X-rays often insufficient?

X-rays show bone alignment and arthritis but cannot:

  • Identify labral or cartilage damage
  • Define tendon or bursal pathology
  • Reveal bone marrow changes

Clinical examination alone cannot reliably determine the most appropriate procedural target.

What are the benefits of MRI-guided decision-making?

MRI-informed planning helps:

  • Improve accuracy of treatment
  • Reduce unnecessary or repeated injections
  • Avoid procedures unlikely to help
  • Support informed discussion of treatment options

This leads to more efficient and patient-centred care.

Is MRI expensive or difficult to arrange before a procedure?

Addressing Patient Objections

  • Cost concerns: MRI costs may be partially offset by Medisave or insurance.
  • Delays elsewhere: External imaging centres often involve long waiting times, delaying treatment decisions.

Why arrange your hip MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic?

Clinic Positioning

The Pain Relief Clinic is:

  • Centrally located at 350 Orchard Road, Shaw House
  • A 5-minute walk from Orchard MRT
  • Equipped with convenient parking
  • Located immediately outside ERP

Key advantages:

  • MRI machine on-site
  • Doctor can assess and arrange MRI immediately
  • No need to:
    • Visit a separate imaging centre
    • Find another doctor solely for an MRI referral
  • The doctor has been helping patients with spine and joint-related problems since 2007 (18 years)
  • Focus on non-invasive, technology-powered treatments

MRI aims:

  • Under $1000
  • Within 1 working day

Can insurance or Medisave help cover MRI costs?

Insurance & Cost Information

MRI may be covered by:

  • Personal accident insurance
  • Travel insurance
  • Company insurance
  • Company flexi-benefits
  • Hospitalisation plans (policy-dependent)

Medisave limits:

  • Current: $300
  • From 1 January 2026: $600

Medisave can potentially cover more than half of the MRI cost, depending on eligibility.

When should I consider an MRI before hip procedures?

MRI should be considered if:

  • An injection or procedure is being planned
  • Previous injections have not worked
  • The pain source is unclear
  • A more targeted treatment approach is desired

MRI helps ensure interventions are precise and evidence-based.

For more information or to arrange an MRI scan, contact The Pain Relief Clinic via WhatsApp at +65 9068 9605.

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