MRI Thigh

What the scan does

• Pinpoints the exact cause of thigh pain, swelling or weakness
• Maps muscle tears, stress fractures, infections and tumors
• Guides your doctor in choosing surgery, physiotherapy or medication

Key takeaways

• Non-invasive: no needles, no incisions, no radiation
• Detailed imaging: shows structures as small as 1–2 mm
• Same-day reporting: most results ready within 2 hours

• Bone marrow signal—detects stress fractures, infection, cancer spread
• Muscle & tendon integrity—grades hamstring, quadriceps or adductor tears
• Ligament & cartilage condition—checks hip and knee ligaments
• Soft-tissue masses or fluid collections—identifies hematomas, abscesses, tumors

• Accurate diagnosis of muscle tears—distinguishes partial vs complete ruptures
• Detecting stress fractures not visible on X-ray—especially in runners
• Evaluating extent of hematoma or abscess—guides drainage or antibiotics

• High-resolution images without radiation—safe for children and repeated scans
• Guides surgical vs conservative treatment—prevents unnecessary surgery
• Monitors healing progression—track recovery after physiotherapy or surgery

• Quadriceps or hamstring tears
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Soft-tissue sarcomas
• Avascular necrosis of femur (bone death due to poor blood supply)

• Clothing and jewelry removal—wear metal-free cotton gown
• Fasting instructions—skip breakfast only if contrast is planned
• Informing staff—about pacemaker, pregnancy, or previous contrast reactions

• Doctor’s requisition form—carry printed or digital prescription
• Recent creatinine report—within 4 weeks if contrast is planned

• Early morning slots—ideal for claustrophobic patients (less waiting)
• Within 48–72 hrs post-injury—captures acute muscle edema and bleeding

• Adults and children—sedation available for kids under 6 years
• Pregnancy considerations—defer unless urgent; no contrast in first trimester

1. Check-in and screening questionnaire—metal check, medical history
2. Positioning on the scanner table—lie on your back, thigh inside coil
3. Typical scan duration—20 min (non-contrast) to 45 min (contrast)

• Remove all metallic objects—watches, rings, hairpins
• Discuss kidney function—if eGFR <30, contrast may be withheld

• Claustrophobia: our wide-bore scanner and music headphones reduce anxiety; open-MRI option available
• Implants & metallic devices: pacemakers, cochlear implants, certain aneurysm clips may be contraindicated—inform staff beforehand
• Contrast dye allergy: rare (<0.1%); discuss any previous reactions with our radiologist