Diagnostics

Magnetic resonance imaging- MRI scans

Magnetic resonance imaging is extremely powerful radiological investigation using magnetic resonance to obtain elaborate images of the groin and pelvis.

This investigation is useful to supplement clinical examination and most patients are able to tolerate this with ease as your head is typically outside the scanner.

A typical MRI scan takes between 30 and 40 minutes to perform.
During this time images of the groin and pelvis including the hip joint, the inguinal region, pubic symphysis and the adductor tendon origins and muscles are obtained.

The images are examined by our dedicated musculoskeletal and sports radiologist Professor Bhatti with over 15 years of consultant and premiership sports injury experience.

The final report shall be explained at the time of the follow-up.
If you have had recent surgery within the last six weeks, have metallic implants, pacemaker, metallic foreign bodies including aneurysm clips please let your referring consultant know

Ultrasound examination

This technique involves the use of sound waves and patients find that this is a very comfortable radiological investigation without risk of ionizing radiation.

The examination is performed by a very experienced radiologist (Professor Waqar Bhatti) with many years of radiological and premiership sports injury experience.

He shall examine the region of concern and may perform stress evaluation dependent on the clinical condition.

The examination shall cover the groin - inguinal region but may need to be extended to include the pubic symphysis joint and the adductor tendons and muscle origins which can be a common source for groin pain. The procedure normally involves examination of both sides and can take up to 20 minutes to perform.

Indications for groin ultrasound:

- Direct and indirect inguinal hernia's.

- Femoral hernias

- Inguinal disruption

- osteitis pubis

- adductor tendon related disorders including tendinopathy tear and core aponeurotic injuries.

- Iliopsoas tendinopathy / tenosynovitis

- hip effusion/labral tear.

Following review of all investigations ultrasound can be used in the management of groin disorders and includes procedures such as:

- PRP injections for addcutor tears

- steroid injection into the Pubic symphysis

- ilioinguinal inguinal nerve blocks

- iliopsoas tendon sheath