Suspected Tendon Injury Around the Hip: When an MRI Scan Is Necessary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are tendon injuries around the hip?

Hip tendon injuries involve damage to the tendons that stabilise and move the hip joint. Commonly affected tendons include:

  • Gluteus medius and minimus tendons (important for hip stability)
  • Iliopsoas tendon (hip flexion)
  • Adductor tendons (inner thigh and groin)
  • Proximal hamstring tendons (back of the hip)

Injuries may range from inflammation and degeneration to partial or complete tears.

What symptoms suggest a tendon injury around the hip?

Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent hip or groin pain despite rest
  • Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg
  • Weakness or instability around the hip
  • Pain aggravated by specific movements or activities
  • Localised tenderness over the affected tendon

These symptoms often overlap with joint-related conditions, making diagnosis challenging.

Why are hip tendon injuries commonly missed initially?

Hip tendon injuries may be overlooked because:

  • X-rays do not show tendons
  • Pain may be attributed to muscle strain or “overuse”
  • Symptoms can mimic joint or spinal problems

Without advanced imaging, partial tears or degenerative tendon changes may remain undetected.

Why is MRI important when a hip tendon injury 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 a tendon injury around the hip is suspected.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI allows detailed evaluation of:

  • Tendon integrity and thickness
  • Partial versus complete tears
  • Degenerative changes
  • Surrounding inflammation or fluid
  • Associated bone or joint pathology

Why is clinical examination alone insufficient?

While examination may localise pain, it cannot:

  • Confirm internal tendon tearing
  • Assess the extent of degeneration
  • Identify involvement of multiple tendons

Imaging is required to guide accurate and effective management.

What happens if hip tendon injuries are not properly diagnosed?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Pain may become chronic
  • Tendon damage may progress
  • Walking mechanics may be altered
  • Recovery timelines may be prolonged

MRI helps prevent long-term dysfunction by enabling targeted care.

Is MRI expensive or difficult to arrange?

Addressing Patient Objections

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

These barriers often delay definitive 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 hip tendon injury?

MRI should be considered if:

  • Hip pain persists despite appropriate treatment
  • Pain or weakness affects walking or daily activities
  • Symptoms recur or progressively worsen

MRI helps move care from assumption-based treatment 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.

Ask Dr Tan A Question About Your Problem