Hip MRI: What to Wear, Items to Avoid, and Preparation Tips

What Do You Wear to a Hip MRI?

For a hip MRI, the ideal attire is comfortable, loose-fitting clothing completely free of any metal components, as metal can interfere with the powerful magnetic fields used by the MRI scanner and pose a safety risk.

The Core Principle: Metal-Free and Comfortable

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) utilizes a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and soft tissues within the body. Due to the intense magnetic forces, any ferromagnetic materials (metals that are attracted to a magnet) can pose a significant safety hazard, cause image distortion, or even become projectiles. Therefore, the guiding principle for MRI attire is complete absence of metal and maximum comfort to facilitate a still and accurate scan.

Recommended Clothing Choices

When preparing for a hip MRI, your clothing choices should prioritize safety and comfort. The goal is to minimize the need for changing into a hospital gown, though this may still be required depending on the facility's protocols or the specific area being scanned.

• Loose-Fitting and Lightweight Materials:

  • Workout or Athletic Wear: Soft, stretchy sweatpants, yoga pants, or loose-fitting shorts made from cotton, polyester, or rayon are excellent choices. These materials are typically metal-free and allow for easy movement and comfort during the scan.
  • T-shirts and Sweatshirts: Opt for plain, cotton t-shirts or sweatshirts without any graphics that might contain metallic ink or embellishments.
  • Scrubs: If you own medical scrubs, these are often ideal as they are designed to be comfortable, loose, and typically metal-free.

• Avoid Zippers, Buttons, and Snaps:

  • Even small metallic components like zippers, buttons, snaps, or eyelets on clothing can heat up in the MRI scanner, cause burns, or distort images. Choose garments with elastic waistbands or drawstrings instead.

• Undergarments:

  • Bras: It is crucial to wear a bra without underwire, hooks, or metallic adjusters. Sports bras or bralettes made entirely of fabric are highly recommended. You may be asked to remove your bra even if it's considered "metal-free" by the facility.
  • Underwear: Standard underwear is generally fine, as long as it does not contain any metallic embellishments, elastic containing metallic threads, or decorative metal components.

Items to Absolutely Avoid

To ensure a safe and successful MRI scan, it is critical to remove or avoid wearing the following items:

• Jewelry and Accessories:

  • Rings, necklaces, earrings, watches, bracelets, body piercings (including tongue, navel, or dermal piercings), hairpins, barrettes, and hair ties with metal parts must all be removed. Even small, seemingly insignificant pieces can be dangerous.

• Clothing with Metallic Embellishments:

  • Avoid clothing with metallic threads (e.g., Lurex), glitter, sequins, metallic appliques, or any decorative elements that may contain metal. This includes some athletic wear that incorporates silver or copper threads for anti-odor properties.
  • Belts with metal buckles.
  • Shoes with metal shanks, eyelets, or zippers. Consider wearing slip-on shoes for easy removal.

• Hair Accessories and Makeup:

  • Hair products containing metallic particles (some hairsprays or glitter).
  • Makeup, especially mascara and eyeliner, which can contain metallic particles (e.g., iron oxide). These can cause eye irritation or image artifacts. It's best to arrive without makeup.

• Medical Devices (Special Considerations):

  • Patches: Some transdermal patches (e.g., nicotine patches, pain patches) may contain metallic backing or components that can heat up. Inform the technologist about any patches you are wearing.
  • Implants: Inform the MRI technologist immediately if you have any internal metallic implants, such as pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators, artificial joints, surgical staples, or shrapnel. These may contraindicate the MRI or require special precautions.

What to Expect at the Clinic

Upon arrival, you will typically be asked to complete a comprehensive safety questionnaire regarding any metal in or on your body. You will likely be directed to a changing room where you can store your personal belongings in a secure locker. Many facilities prefer or require patients to change into a hospital gown to ensure absolute compliance with metal-free requirements and to provide an unobstructed view of the area being scanned.

The Importance of Communication

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and communicate openly with the MRI technologist or the imaging center staff. If you have questions about specific clothing items, accessories, or medical conditions, discuss them before your scan. Providing accurate information is paramount for your safety and the quality of the diagnostic images.

Key Takeaways for a Smooth MRI

• Choose comfort: Loose-fitting, soft clothing.
• Go metal-free: Absolutely no zippers, buttons, snaps, or metallic embellishments.
• Remove all accessories: Jewelry, watches, hairpins, etc.
• Consider a gown: Be prepared to change into a hospital gown.
• Communicate: Inform staff of any concerns or implants.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to a safe, comfortable, and diagnostically effective hip MRI scan.