My Hip Replacement Is Bothering Me. Should I Schedule an MRI?

After your hip replacement, you expected a pain-free life, not lingering irritation months or years later. If you’re wondering about the next steps, you’re in the right place. Here’s what you need to know about hip MRIs.

Hip replacement surgery works for 9 in 10 patients, yet some experience issues like pain, stiffness, and swelling months or even years later. At LA MRI Center in Koreatown, Los Angeles, California, a hip MRI can help uncover answers when recovery doesn’t go as expected.

An MRI enables your medical provider to see beyond what basic imaging can reveal, capturing soft tissue, cartilage, and fluid surrounding your joint.

Why your hip might bother you after a hip replacement

Your hip might bother you after joint replacement due to issues such as:

Tendonitis or bursitis

After a hip replacement, your hip biomechanics undergo significant changes. The tendons and fluid-filled sacs (bursae) may grow inflamed until they adjust to your new joint. An MRI can detect inflammation and its likely cause.

Soft tissue impingement

When soft tissue gets pinched within or around your implant, it can lead to localized pain and limited range of motion. A hip MRI can identify soft tissue changes and pinpoint where it’s trapped around your implant.

Aseptic loosening

Over time, the bond between your implant and bone can weaken. This condition, known as aseptic loosening, may cause chronic pain that gradually worsens. An MRI can help detect subtle signs of loosening before more invasive interventions are needed.

Infection

Though uncommon, joint infections can develop months or even years after a hip replacement. An MRI can reveal fluid accumulation, tissue changes, or inflammation that indicate an infection before it progresses.

Osteolysis

Over time, tiny particles from your hip implant can accumulate, causing inflammation or bone loss—a process known as osteolysis. An MRI can detect early tissue changes associated with this process.

Fractures

Although implants themselves rarely break, the bones connected to them can crack or break during a fall or another traumatic injury. An MRI shows both soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles, as well as bones, to help determine if there’s a fracture.

Why an MRI is valuable for post-hip replacement diagnostics

At LA MRI Center, we use the open MRI Hitachi Airis II™ for hip imaging. Its open design provides more space, making the scan more comfortable, especially for patients who struggle with claustrophobia or have limited mobility after surgery.

The scanner delivers reliable, high-quality images of soft tissues, cartilage, and fluid around your hip joint. This level of detail helps physicians identify subtle problems that may be overlooked on standard imaging.

Schedule your hip MRI today

LA MRI Center is a premier imaging center in the Los Angeles area. We offer free parking and easy access, allowing you to focus on your health without stress.

From the moment you arrive, our team provides compassionate guidance, explaining what to expect during your scan and emphasizing your comfort at every step.

If you’re experiencing discomfort from your hip replacement, don’t wait for it to become a crisis. Booking your MRI at LA MRI Center is simple. Schedule today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.