Hip Pain With Normal X-rays in Singapore: 8 Situations Where an MRI Is Commonly Needed

Normal X-rays Don’t Always Explain Hip Pain

Hip pain can be difficult to diagnose because many important hip structures—labrum, cartilage, tendons, muscles, and bone marrow—are not visible on X-rays. When pain persists despite “normal” X-ray results, MRI is often the next step to identify the true cause.

Below are the most common scenarios where patients in Singapore proceed to a hip MRI.

1. Hip or Groin Pain That Persists Beyond a Few Weeks

If hip pain:

• Lasts more than 4–6 weeks

• Does not steadily improve

• Interferes with walking, sitting, or sleep

MRI is commonly used to assess soft-tissue or internal joint causes not seen on X-ray.

2. Deep Groin Pain With Normal X-ray Findings

Deep groin pain often points to:

• Labral tears

• Early cartilage injury

• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

MRI helps visualise intra-articular hip structures clearly.

3. Hip Pain That Worsens With Walking or Weight-Bearing

Pain that:

• Increases with walking or standing

• Improves with rest

may indicate cartilage, bone stress, or joint pathology, which MRI can detect earlier than X-ray.

4. Clicking, Catching, or Locking Sensations in the Hip

Mechanical symptoms such as:

• Clicking

• Catching

• Sharp movement-related pain

often suggest labral or cartilage injury, which MRI can confirm.

5. Hip Pain After Sports or Exercise

Pain following:

• Running

• Sudden twisting

• Direction changes

commonly involves labral tears, tendon injury, or muscle strain, making MRI particularly useful when X-rays are normal.

6. Pain Not Improving Despite Physiotherapy

If physiotherapy:

• Only provides temporary relief

• Does not restore confidence or function

MRI helps explain why recovery has plateaued, avoiding prolonged trial-and-error treatment.

7. Pain Radiating to the Thigh or Buttock

Hip pain that spreads to:

• The thigh

• The buttock

may involve deep joint structures or surrounding soft tissues, which MRI can differentiate more accurately than X-ray.

8. When Treatment Decisions Depend on Knowing the Exact Cause

MRI is often required before:

• Targeted non-invasive treatments

• Specialist referral

• Decisions about activity modification or return to sport

Clear imaging helps prevent delays, unnecessary procedures, and wasted costs.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Hip MRI in Singapore?

• Public hospitals:
  Non-urgent outpatient hip MRI appointments may involve waiting weeks or more, depending on demand.

• Private or clinic-based options:
  MRI scans are usually arranged much faster.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, hip MRI scans can typically be arranged within one working day, subject to assessment.

How Much Does a Hip MRI Cost?

• Public hospitals:
  Subsidised and lower out-of-pocket cost, but longer waiting times.

• Private hospitals / imaging centres:
  Higher and often variable pricing.

• The Pain Relief Clinic:

  • Clear upfront pricing, typically under S$1,000 for common outpatient hip MRI scans

  • Costs explained before proceeding, reducing uncertainty

Do You Need to Travel to Another Location for the MRI?

Many care pathways require:

• Seeing a doctor at one clinic

• Travelling to a separate imaging centre

• Returning later for review

At The Pain Relief Clinic:

• MRI coordination is handled within the same clinic system

• No off-site imaging travel

• Faster review and smoother care flow

Payment Options to Know About

Patients at The Pain Relief Clinic may access:

• Medisave usage (subject to outpatient diagnostic limits)

• Insurance claim support (corporate and personal plans, subject to insurer rules)

• Cashless arrangements where applicable

• Interest-free instalment plans

• Cash and card payments

Quick Comparison

Final Takeaway

Hip pain with a normal X-ray is common and often involves deep joint or soft-tissue structures. MRI frequently provides the clarity needed to move forward confidently.

For patients who want:

• Faster answers

• Transparent pricing

• Minimal logistical hassle

• Flexible payment options

The Pain Relief Clinic offers a practical MRI pathway aligned with real-world needs in Singapore.