Immediate access to diagnosis for upper-leg pain
Diagnostic thigh MRI scans
Read more about what a Thigh MRI scan is, why you might need one and what can be detected from a Thigh MRI scan.
Not ready to book online?
Refer yourselfWhy choose Vista Health for your thigh MRI scan?
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Affordable
Scans from £249. See the table below for full price list.
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Accessible
We offer thigh MRI scans throughout the UK.
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Support
Our dedicated Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
Fast, affordable private MRI scans for the thigh
Pain in the upper leg or thigh could be anything from a strained muscle to a bone tumour. While many aches and pains will fade away over a few days, if your condition doesn’t improve - or recurs - you’ll need an accurate diagnosis to identify the problem and plan proper treatment.
Vista Health offers affordable private MRI scans of the thigh by expert radiologists across the UK. With no waiting lists and weekend appointments, we can offer an MRI scan at short notice, at a time that suits your busy schedule.
What is a thigh MRI scan?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is a way of taking pictures inside the body using magnetic fields and radio waves. It’s a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure capturing high-quality images. Unlike X-rays, MRI doesn’t use potentially harmful radiation.
The thigh is comprised of bones, muscles, and other soft tissue including cartilage and nerves. A thigh MRI scan produces detailed, cross-sectional images allowing your radiologist to examine the inner structure.
What can a thigh MRI scan detect?
The thigh MRI scan will reveal any damage or abnormalities in your
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Muscles
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Bones
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Tendons and ligaments
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Cartilage
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Other soft tissues
Depending on the results, your radiologist could diagnose any of a range of conditions, including
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Fractures
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Ligament tears
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Muscle or tendon strain
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Bone tumours
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Compartment syndrome
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Iliotibial band syndrome
Armed with detailed knowledge of the cause of your upper leg pain, your physician will be able to plan and prescribe appropriate treatment.
How do I prepare for a thigh MRI scan?
Our patient care team will ensure you’re ready for your scan, but you can help by telling them about your medical history. Unless you’re asked to do otherwise, you can continue to eat, drink and take medication as normal before your scan.
Some implants and conditions may affect how your MRI scan is performed, or whether it’s safe to do it at all. These include
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cochlear implants
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ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators)
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pacemakers
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artificial joints
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artificial heart valves
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allergy to MRI contrast material
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pregnancy
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claustrophobia
If any of these applies to you, please raise the issue with the patient care team before booking an appointment.
What happens during a thigh MRI scan, and how long does it take?
Your radiologist will ask you to take off any jewellery and empty your pockets, or you may be asked to change into a gown. You’ll then lie on the MRI table during the scan. An upper leg MRI scan takes around 20 minutes, and we would ask you to arrive around 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Step by step
Your thigh MRI scan journey
Here’s what to expect when you book a private thigh MRI scan with Vista Health
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Appointment booking
Decide on a location and date, then submit the self-referral form or book online. Alternatively, contact our dedicated patient care team for advice and support.
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Attend your diagnostic appointment
Attend your chosen centre on the day of your appointment. Your upper leg MRI scan should take about 20 minutes. We ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
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Results
Receive a full report and scan images within three days. Add an optional consultation with one of our dedicated private GPs to explain your results. Save 20% on consultation fees when you book along with your scan.
How much does a private thigh MRI scan cost?
| Label and description | Value |
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Fast Track MRI
Scan within 7 days
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£365
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Standard MRI
Scan from 7 days
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£345
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Off-Peak MRI Scan
Limited fixed scan times
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£249
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Refer yourself or book online now
There are a number of ways to access an MRI scan with Vista Health. You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
Refer yourself
Fill in the self-referral form and our Patient Care Team will contact you directly.
Book online now
Book your own appointment in a few easy steps.
Enquire now
Ask us any questions you may have before booking.
If you already have a referral letter
Ask us any questions you may have before booking.
If you don’t have a referral, but would like one
In some circumstances, you might prefer to have a referral from one of our own private GPs. We can arrange this quickly and easily, with a 20% discount on consultancy fees when you book along with your scan.
Call us on 0333 331 5779
Our Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
How can we help?
Support
If you’re about to begin a healthcare journey, you’re likely to have a few questions. We’ve tried to answer the most common queries here - but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can always ask one of our friendly patient care advisors.
Can you help me understand my results?
If you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
Can I refer myself?
We accept self-referral in most cases. Self-referral allows you to take control of your own health with direct access to our own specialist diagnostic services. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one.
What if I need an open or upright scanner?
For some patients - including those with restricted mobility, anxiety and people with claustrophobia - the standard ‘tunnel-style’ MRI scanner may be challenging. An alternative is the open and upright scanner, which can be more comfortable for some patients. This provides comfort and reassurance, and offers a variety of scanning positions including sitting, standing, leaning, and lying.
What body part can I have scanned?
We offer a range of MRI scans to assist you in obtaining the diagnosis you require.
Can you help me understand my results?
We will send your diagnostic report to your referrer or GP, or if you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
How long does an MRI scan take?
Most scans take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the size of the area we’re investigating. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
How much will an MRI scan cost?
Our MRI scans start from £249. The fee includes a full written report within 3 working days, and access to your images online to view, download or share with a medical professional such as your GP. When you book online, you’ll have the option to spread the cost over three months, interest free.
How soon can I have my MRI scan?
With MRI facilities across the UK, we can offer scans at short notice. We work evenings, weekends and bank holidays, and you can self-refer and book here>>
Can I refer myself for an MRI?
We accept self-referral in most cases. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one