How much pain is a hip mri with contrast? is the pain only the injection?

Yes the injection: Have to done under florscopey then the MRI will be done after the injection.

Indirect arthrogram: Another potential option may be to have an MRI with an "indirect" arthrogram. In this study, the contrast is injected via IV and not placed directly into the hip joint. There is less discomfort, and no need to have radiation to visualize the injection. There are not many facilities who perform this study, so you will need to look around.

Yep: And the IV if they want you to have one.

Varies: Prior to having a hip mr arthrogram, a radiologist will clean the front of the hip with betadine soap, cover the hip with a sterile towel, inject some Lidocaine into the skin and soft tissues of the hip and will inject a small amount of dye (gadolinium) into the hip following placement of a special needle. The part that may hurt (sting) is the Lidocaine injection. The degree of pain varies.

Some, but...: Not much. Most of my patients tell me they do not feel much at all, or maybe as intense as a flu shot. Once the needle is in place, there should be no pain with injection of the joint if the needle is in the proper position. For more information, Google: Dr Nefcy Arthrogram Advice.