Suspected Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): When an MRI Scan Is Necessary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)?

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where abnormal contact occurs between the femoral head and the hip socket (acetabulum) during movement. Over time, this repeated contact can irritate or damage the labrum and joint cartilage.

FAI is commonly classified into:

  • Cam-type impingement
  • Pincer-type impingement
  • Mixed-type impingement

What symptoms suggest possible FAI?

Symptoms commonly associated with FAI include:

  • Deep groin pain, especially with hip flexion
  • Pain during sitting, squatting, or pivoting movements
  • Stiffness or reduced hip range of motion
  • Clicking or catching sensations in the hip
  • Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest

Symptoms may develop gradually and are often activity-related.

Why is FAI often under-recognised initially?

FAI may be overlooked because:

  • Early symptoms can mimic muscle strain
  • X-rays may show bone shape but not soft tissue damage
  • Physical examination findings are not always specific

Without advanced imaging, associated labral or cartilage injury may go undetected.

Why is MRI important when FAI is suspected?

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 when femoroacetabular impingement is suspected.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI allows evaluation of:

  • Labral integrity
  • Cartilage damage
  • Joint inflammation
  • Bone marrow changes associated with impingement

Why are X-rays and examination alone insufficient?

X-rays can demonstrate bony morphology but cannot:

  • Assess labral tears
  • Evaluate cartilage condition
  • Identify early joint damage

Clinical examination alone cannot determine the extent of internal injury.

What happens if FAI-related injury is not diagnosed early?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Labral and cartilage damage may progress
  • Hip pain may become chronic
  • Activity levels may decline
  • Long-term joint degeneration may develop

Early MRI supports informed decision-making and appropriate management.

Is MRI expensive or difficult to arrange?

Addressing Patient Objections

  • Cost concerns: MRI costs may be partially offset by Medisave or insurance.
  • Delays elsewhere: Many imaging centres require referrals and involve long waiting times.

These barriers often delay confirmation of the diagnosis.

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 assessment with immediate MRI arrangement
  • No need to:
    • Visit a separate imaging centre
    • Find another doctor just 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
  • Arranged within 1 working day

Can insurance or Medisave help cover hip MRI costs?

Insurance & Cost Information

MRI scans 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 for suspected FAI?

MRI should be considered if:

  • Groin or hip pain persists despite treatment
  • Pain is consistently triggered by hip movement
  • Mechanical symptoms or stiffness are present

MRI helps move care from assumption-based management to precise, evidence-based diagnosis.

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

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