What is the difference between a regular hip MRI and an arthrogram of the hip?

What is the difference between a regular hip MRI and an arthrogram of the hip?I had a regular hip MRI that came back negative but i have SEVERE hip pain and the doctor wants to order an arthrogram...
Is the only difference with and without contrast?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

mahalkita12983
I don't know much about arthrograms, but you can check on webmd.com They have all kinds of great test info there. Hope that helps!

Lisa H
An arthrogram involves injecting a contrast into the actual joint space so it is concentrated there. Then they take pictures either with MRI or CT to get a better aprreciation of any damage to the structures inside the joint.

John H
The MR Arthrogram is done in two steps. First a Radiologist will inject the contrast directly into your hip joint using a needle and syringe. He or she will use x-ray (fluoroscopy) to see where to inject and then numb the skin at the injection site. Your hip joint will feel "full" after the dye is injected. After the injection, you'll be taken to the MRI machine and spend about 20 minutes getting scanned.

All the best John H.

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