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Arthrogram MRI Scan

Arthrogram MRI Scan

An MRI arthrogram combines contrast dye injection with advanced MRI scanning to examine joint structures in exceptional detail. This specialised procedure is particularly effective for diagnosing subtle cartilage tears, ligament damage, and labral injuries that standard imaging often misses.

Specialist referral required. Safe and effective joint imaging. Results reviewed by consultant radiologists and returned within 3 to 5 working days.

  Clinician advice included

Specialist referral needed

Share results anywhere

Arthrogram MRI Pricing

Clear, upfront pricing with everything included.

Arthrogram MRI Scan at Vitalscan

£800

A specialist referral is required for this type of MRI scan.
Please call us to get more information.

What’s included
  • One-region arthrogram MRI scan (e.g. shoulder, knee, hip, or ankle)
  • Contrast injection into the joint before your MRI
  • Review of referral (if provided)
  • Full radiologist report
  • Access to digital scan images

  • Results within 3–5 working days

  • Pre and post-scan patient support
  • Comfortable scanning environment
  • Watch Netflix, YouTube or listen to music while being scanned
  • Tea, coffee and cold drinks for free
  • Private consultation room (no waiting around in your gown)
  • Free parking & accessible parking available

When is an MRI with arthrogram recommended?

An arthrogram MRI provides enhanced imaging when standard scans haven’t revealed the cause of your joint problems:

  • Shoulder conditions: Labral tears (SLAP lesions), rotator cuff tears requiring detailed assessment, shoulder instability and recurrent dislocations, and unexplained shoulder pain after standard MRI.
  • Hip joint problems: Hip labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) assessment, hip cartilage damage, and persistent groin pain without clear diagnosis.
  • Knee injuries: Meniscal tears requiring surgical planning, cartilage defects, ligament damage assessment, and unexplained knee instability.
  • Ankle problems: Ankle ligament tears, osteochondral lesions, cartilage damage, and chronic ankle instability.
  • When other imaging falls short: Standard MRI hasn’t identified the problem, X-rays and ultrasound provide insufficient detail, you need precise assessment before surgery, and your consultant requires enhanced joint imaging.

The contrast dye injected into your joint outlines structures that can be difficult to see on standard MRI, giving your doctor the detailed information needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

private mri scan milton keynes

How an arthrogram MRI differs from standard MRI

An MRI produces detailed cross-sectional images that show:

  • Standard MRI scan: Uses magnetic imaging alone to visualise joint structures. Excellent for many conditions but may miss subtle tears or damage.
  • MRI with arthrogram: Involves injecting contrast dye directly into the joint before scanning. The dye fills the joint space and highlights tears, holes, or separations in cartilage and ligaments that might otherwise be invisible.
  • Enhanced diagnostic accuracy: The contrast creates a clear outline of joint surfaces, making even small tears visible. Particularly valuable for shoulder labral tears and hip labral damage where standard MRI may appear normal.
  • Surgical planning: Provides surgeons with precise information about tear size, location, and extent, enabling better surgical planning and outcomes.

An arthrogram MRI is considered the gold standard for diagnosing many joint injuries, particularly in the shoulder and hip where anatomy is complex.

Who needs an MRI arthrogram?

An arthrogram MRI may be appropriate if you:

  • Have persistent joint pain despite normal or inconclusive standard imaging
  • Suspect a labral tear in your shoulder or hip
  • Experience joint instability, catching, or locking
  • Need detailed assessment before planned joint surgery
  • Have been referred by your consultant for enhanced joint imaging
  • Require precise diagnosis for sports-related joint injuries

Important considerations

  • Specialist referral required: Arthrogram MRI scans require a referral from a consultant or specialist. This ensures the procedure is clinically appropriate and that your results are interpreted in the context of your overall care.
  • Safety considerations: We’ll need to confirm you don’t have allergies to contrast dye or iodine. Let us know if you have kidney problems, as contrast requires normal kidney function.

Inform us during booking if you’re pregnant. We’ll discuss whether the scan should proceed.

Preparing for your MRI arthrogram

Before your appointment:

  • Arrange your specialist referral (consultant or orthopaedic surgeon)
  • Inform us of any allergies, particularly to iodine or contrast agents
  • Mention any kidney problems or medications
  • Wear comfortable clothing without metal fastenings
  • Let us know if you’re pregnant or claustrophobic

On the day:

  • Arrive with your referral information
  • Remove all jewellery and metal accessories
  • Inform the clinical team of any concerns

You can eat and drink normally before your arthrogram MRI. No fasting is required.

Your Arthrogram MRI results

Step 1

Your Appointment

Arrive at Vitalscan where you’ll be welcomed with complimentary refreshments. Our team performs the contrast injection followed by your MRI scan, capturing detailed images of your joint.

Step 2

Expert Review

Consultant musculoskeletal radiologists with expertise in arthrogram interpretation examine your contrast-enhanced images. They identify any tears, damage, or abnormalities in your joint structures.

Step 3

Results Delivery

Within 3 to 5 working days, your full radiologist report and digital images arrive by email. You can share these with your referring consultant, GP, physiotherapist, or any healthcare provider.

Step 4

Treatment Planning

Your referring consultant reviews the findings with you and recommends appropriate treatment, which may include physiotherapy, medication, or surgery depending on what the arthrogram reveals.

Why choose Vitalscan for your Arthrogram MRI?

  • Specialist expertise: Our consultant radiologists have extensive experience interpreting arthrogram MRI scans. They understand the complex anatomy of joints and can identify subtle pathology that affects treatment decisions.
  • Advanced imaging technology: The Philips 1.5T BlueSeal MRI provides exceptional image quality for arthrogram procedures. High-resolution imaging ensures even small tears and defects are visible.
  • Efficient service: Book your arthrogram quickly once you have your referral. Fast results turnaround means you can discuss findings with your consultant and progress with treatment without delay.
  • Comprehensive care: From initial consultation through injection and scanning to results delivery, our team provides attentive care focused on your comfort and the best possible diagnostic outcomes.
  • Patient comfort: Private facilities, entertainment during scanning, and experienced clinicians who perform contrast injections with minimal discomfort.

Arthrogram MRI safety

MRI scanning is safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free. The contrast injection involves minimal risk when performed by experienced clinicians.

MRI safety

MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not radiation. It’s safe for repeated scans if needed.

Will the injection hurt?

Local anaesthetic numbs the injection site, so most people feel only mild pressure. Any discomfort typically resolves within a few hours.

Metal Implants:

Many surgical implants are MRI-safe. We’ll verify implant compatibility before your scan. The contrast injection itself doesn’t interact with metal implants.

Is the contrast injection safe?

 Yes. Contrast agents used in arthrogram procedures have an excellent safety profile. Allergic reactions are rare. We screen for allergies and kidney problems before the procedure.

After Effects

Some mild joint stiffness may occur for several hours as the contrast disperses. This is normal and resolves on its own. Rare complications include infection or allergic reaction, but these are uncommon with proper sterile technique.

Arthrogram MRI FAQs

It’s a joint scan that involves injecting a contrast fluid into the joint before taking detailed MRI images. This makes it easier to see cartilage, ligaments, and soft tissues.

Your doctor or clinician may recommend it if other imaging (like a standard MRI, X-ray, or ultrasound) has not provided enough detail.

Common areas include the shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle.

wNo GP referral is needed. Our clinical team can review and support your request directly.

The injection may cause mild discomfort, but local anaesthetic is used to minimise this. The MRI scan itself is painless.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal fastenings. You’ll also complete a safety questionnaire before your scan.

A full radiologist report and digital images will usually be ready within 3–5 working days.

Meet our clinical team

Alice Nitsche

Centre Manager

BSc (Hons), PgC MMR (Dist.)

Mahmoud Abdalla

Radiology Manager & CQC Manager

BSc (Hons), PGD

Abdelfattah Abdelrahman

Senior MRI Radiographer

DipMI, BSc (Hons), CPD (Diag Rad)

Jayme Brooks

Lead Imaging Assistant

Safiatou Jallow

Phlebotomist and Imaging Assistant

Mikhaela Ambagan

Services Coordinator

Easy to reach

Vitalscan is conveniently located near Central Milton Keynes train station, making us easy to reach by car or public transport.

Partnered with leading
health insurance providers

Partnered with leading health insurance providers

Getting the diagnostic tests you need shouldn’t be complicated. We’re proud to work with leading health insurance providers to make access to our services as seamless as possible.

Our patient pathway

Complete Booking

Schedule your scan online.

Confirmation

Receive booking info instantly.

Quality Check

Ensure scan accuracy & safety.

Scan Day

Attend your appointment.

Receive Results

Get your scan results quickly.

Sharing Report

Share findings with your doctor.

Ready to book your private MRI scan?

Ready to
book your scan?

Booking your scan is quick and easy – no referral needed and appointments available as soon as the same day. Get fast, accurate results for peace of mind.

Book an Arthrogram MRI Scan

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Contact

01908 755556

100 Avebury Boulevard,
Milton Keynes, MK9 1FH

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Legal

Vitalscan is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and operates in accordance with all applicable healthcare standards. Our location ID is 1-14644634325. Our diagnostic imaging services are designed to support clinical decision-making but do not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own healthcare professional.

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