Health Organization for Pudendal Education

Is an MRI with contrast necessary to detect a hip tear? I have had an MRI without contrast and it came back normal, and I was wondering if other people have experienced needing to have an MRI done with contrast to see a tear.

Yes, a MR arthrogram (which is the MRI with contrast) or a 3T MRI is necessary. Regular MRIs will not pick up on labral tears in most cases. If you're looking to identify possible hip issues, a regular MRI is practically useless. You'll want a MRA/3T MRI, good set of xrays (done by a hip specialist not a regular ortho dr), and depending on the results of the MRA and xrays, a CT scan of both hips.

Thank you so frustrating to have gone through two regular MRI's of my pelvis/lower lumbar and right hip recently. I've been diagnosed with PN among other things but lately my back and hip pain on my right side have been unbearable. I used to be a cheerleader so I am tying back old injuries to this possibly.

PLUS, you have to get a hip preservation specialist to look at the images! Not all radiologists are trained or experienced to pick up labral tears. If you are experiencing hip pain you really should go to a hip doctor for a proper evaluation.