Sacrum MRI in Singapore: Price, Uses and Scanner Options

Sacrum MRI price: S$1,000

A sacrum MRI available through The Pain Relief Clinic in Singapore currently costs S$1,000.

The S$1,000 price includes:

• The sacrum MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report

MRI scanner options available

Depending on the clinical requirements and imaging-centre availability, The Pain Relief Clinic can help arrange:

• 1.5 Tesla MRI
• 3 Tesla MRI
• Wide-bore MRI for patients who are claustrophobic or uncomfortable in conventional MRI scanners

The most appropriate scanner and protocol depend on the clinical question, implants, body size, ability to remain still and type of images required. A 3 Tesla MRI is not automatically necessary or better for every sacral condition.

Current price: S$1,000
Price last reviewed: 9 August 2026
MRI strength options: 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla, depending on clinical requirements
Claustrophobia option: Wide-bore MRI available, subject to suitability and availability
Appointment availability: Often within one working day, subject to availability and MRI safety clearance
MediSave: Up to S$600 may be available for eligible outpatient scans, subject to prevailing conditions
Insurance: Coverage depends on the patient’s policy, medical indication and insurer approval

Additional charges may apply if contrast, specialised imaging sequences or a different MRI protocol is medically required. The final scanner, scan coverage, protocol and price will be confirmed before proceeding.

When medically indicated, The Pain Relief Clinic can often help arrange a sacrum MRI within one working day, subject to imaging-centre availability and scheduling.

What is a sacrum MRI?

A sacrum MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to examine the triangular bone at the base of the spine.

The sacrum sits between the two sides of the pelvis, below the lumbar spine and above the coccyx. It contains openings through which sacral nerves pass.

MRI does not use X-rays or ionising radiation. It uses a strong magnetic field, radiofrequency signals and computer processing to produce detailed images.

Depending on the prescribed protocol, a sacrum MRI may assess:

• Sacral bone
• Sacral bone marrow
• Sacral canal
• Sacral nerve-root regions
• Surrounding muscles and soft tissues
• Areas of inflammation or fluid
• Stress injuries or fractures
• Structural abnormalities following trauma
• Soft-tissue or bone abnormalities

A standard sacrum MRI does not necessarily provide a dedicated assessment of the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joints, coccyx, hips or pelvic organs. Separate imaging may be required when the clinical question involves those areas.

When might a doctor consider a sacrum MRI?

A doctor may consider sacrum MRI when symptoms are persistent, unexplained or associated with a suspected structural abnormality involving the sacral region.

Possible situations include:

• Persistent pain over the sacrum
• Pain following a fall onto the buttocks
• Suspected sacral stress fracture
• Suspected sacral insufficiency fracture
• Persistent pain despite a normal or inconclusive X-ray
• Localised pain that worsens with standing or walking
• Sacral pain in an older adult or a person with reduced bone strength
• Sacral pain following increased running or repetitive loading
• Concern about bone-marrow abnormalities
• Suspected inflammation or infection
• A relevant history of cancer with new localised sacral pain
• An unexplained lump or soft-tissue abnormality
• Symptoms following previous surgery or radiotherapy
• Planning treatment when MRI findings could affect the decision

Having one of these features does not automatically mean that MRI is required or that a serious condition is present.

A doctor should determine whether the symptoms originate from the sacrum, lumbar spine, sacroiliac joints, coccyx, hips or another area.

Where is sacral pain felt?

Pain associated with the sacral region may be felt:

• In the centre of the lower back
• Between the two sides of the pelvis
• At the upper part of the buttock cleft
• Deep within the buttocks
• Near the lumbosacral junction
• During sitting, standing or walking
• After a fall onto the buttocks

Pain in this area can also originate from:

• Lumbar spine
• Sacroiliac joints
• Coccyx
• Hip joints
• Muscles and ligaments
• Pelvic structures
• Nerves
• Other medical conditions

Careful assessment is needed to select the correct MRI region.

Sacral pain after a fall

A fall onto the buttocks may cause:

• Bruising
• Soft-tissue injury
• Coccyx injury
• Sacral fracture
• Sacroiliac-joint injury
• Lumbar spine injury
• Other pelvic injuries

An X-ray or CT may be the first investigation following significant trauma because these tests can assess certain fractures and bony injuries quickly.

MRI may be considered when:

• Pain persists despite an inconclusive X-ray
• A stress or insufficiency fracture remains suspected
• Bone-marrow injury needs to be assessed
• Neurological symptoms are present
• Another structural abnormality is suspected

A person with severe pain, inability to stand, inability to walk or neurological symptoms following major trauma requires urgent assessment rather than a routine MRI appointment.

Sacral stress and insufficiency fractures

A sacral stress fracture can develop when repetitive loading exceeds the bone’s ability to recover.

A sacral insufficiency fracture occurs when normal loading affects bone that has become less able to tolerate stress.

Possible risk factors include:

• Osteoporosis
• Older age
• Previous pelvic radiotherapy
• Long-term use of certain medications
• Low bone density
• Significant increase in running or impact activity
• Nutritional or hormonal factors affecting bone health
• Previous fracture
• Other medical conditions affecting bone strength

Possible symptoms include:

• Deep lower-back, buttock or sacral pain
• Pain during standing or walking
• Reduced walking tolerance
• Pain without a major injury
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Persistent symptoms despite rest
• A normal or inconclusive early X-ray

MRI can show bone-marrow changes associated with certain sacral stress and insufficiency fractures.

Sacral pain affecting daily life

Persistent sacral symptoms can interfere with:

• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
• Driving
• Sleeping
• Bending
• Lifting
• Exercise
• Running
• Travelling
• Household tasks
• Caring for children or older family members
• Independent mobility

Some people seek further assessment because pain is reducing their work performance or preventing them from moving normally. Others worry that continuing difficulty with sitting or walking may make them increasingly reliant on family members.

Identifying the likely source can help determine whether the next step should involve rehabilitation, treatment, activity modification, further imaging or specialist referral.

What can a sacrum MRI show?

Depending on the scan protocol and clinical question, sacrum MRI may help assess the following.

Sacral fractures and bone stress injuries

MRI can show bone-marrow changes that may occur with:

• Bone bruising
• Stress reaction
• Stress fracture
• Insufficiency fracture
• Other traumatic injury

Some of these changes may not be visible on an early X-ray.

Bone-marrow abnormalities

MRI may show changes involving the bone marrow of the sacrum.

These may include:

• Inflammation
• Infection
• Stress-related changes
• Abnormal tissue
• Other findings requiring further assessment

MRI findings may need to be correlated with blood tests, CT, previous imaging or specialist assessment.

Sacral canal and nerve-root regions

MRI may show structural abnormalities affecting the sacral canal or areas around the sacral nerve roots.

Symptoms involving bladder, bowel or saddle-region sensation require urgent medical assessment.

Inflammation or infection

MRI may show patterns of tissue inflammation, fluid accumulation or bone-marrow changes that can occur with infection.

Severe sacral or lower-back pain accompanied by fever, chills or systemic illness requires prompt medical assessment.

Soft-tissue abnormalities

MRI may provide information about muscles and soft tissues surrounding the sacrum.

When a lump or abnormality is present, MRI may help determine:

• Its location
• Its size and extent
• Its relationship to nearby structures
• Whether it appears solid or fluid-filled
• Whether further investigation is required

MRI cannot always provide a final diagnosis. Additional imaging, specialist referral or tissue testing may sometimes be required.

Sacrum MRI versus lumbosacral spine MRI

A sacrum MRI and lumbosacral spine MRI examine different anatomical areas.

Sacrum MRI

A sacrum MRI focuses on:

• Sacral bone
• Sacral bone marrow
• Sacral canal
• Surrounding sacral soft tissues
• Suspected sacral stress or insufficiency fracture

Lumbosacral spine MRI

A lumbosacral spine MRI focuses on:

• Lumbar vertebrae
• Lumbar discs
• Spinal canal
• Lumbar and sacral nerve roots within the lower spinal canal
• Lumbosacral junction

A lumbosacral spine MRI may not provide a dedicated examination of the entire sacrum. A sacrum MRI may not provide a complete assessment of the lumbar discs and upper lumbar spine.

The correct examination should be selected according to the clinical question.

Sacrum MRI versus sacroiliac-joint MRI

The sacrum forms part of the sacroiliac joints, but a standard sacrum MRI is not necessarily the same as a dedicated sacroiliac-joint MRI.

A sacroiliac-joint MRI may be more appropriate when there is concern about:

• Sacroiliitis
• Inflammatory arthritis
• Pain localised to one or both sacroiliac joints
• Structural abnormalities specifically involving the joints

The imaging coverage and protocol should be confirmed before proceeding.

Sacrum MRI versus coccyx MRI

The coccyx is the small bone below the sacrum.

Pain concentrated at the lowest part of the spine, particularly pain aggravated by sitting, may involve the coccyx rather than the sacrum.

A dedicated coccyx or sacrococcygeal MRI may be required if the clinical question specifically concerns the coccyx.

When might MRI not be the first investigation?

MRI is not always the first or most appropriate investigation for sacral pain.

Clinical assessment without immediate imaging

Some uncomplicated symptoms can initially be assessed and managed without MRI when:

• There has been no significant trauma
• There are no neurological warning signs
• There is no fever or systemic illness
• Symptoms are recent
• Imaging is unlikely to change initial treatment

X-ray

X-ray may be used to assess:

• Certain fractures
• Bone alignment
• Some degenerative changes
• Selected bone abnormalities

Some sacral fractures can be difficult to see on X-ray.

CT

CT provides detailed images of bone and may be preferred for:

• Acute trauma
• Certain sacral fractures
• Detailed assessment of bony anatomy
• Surgical planning
• Situations where MRI is unsuitable

Other MRI regions

Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may instead consider:

• Lumbar spine MRI
• Lumbosacral spine MRI
• Sacroiliac-joint MRI
• Coccyx MRI
• Pelvic MRI
• Hip MRI

When is sacral pain an emergency?

An outpatient sacrum MRI appointment is not the appropriate first step when symptoms suggest a medical emergency.

Call 995 or seek immediate emergency care if there is:

• New loss of bladder or bowel control
• Inability to urinate
• Numbness around the groin, buttocks or saddle region
• Rapidly worsening leg weakness
• New weakness affecting both legs
• Sudden inability to walk
• Severe sacral or pelvic pain following major trauma
• Possible pelvic or spinal instability
• Fever with severe sacral or lower-back pain
• Severe pain in a medically unstable person
• Significant abdominal or pelvic pain
• Fainting or severe dizziness following trauma
• Sudden one-sided weakness
• Facial drooping
• Difficulty speaking

Do not delay emergency care while waiting for a routine MRI.

Is the sacrum MRI performed on a 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla machine?

Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI machines are available, depending on the clinical situation and imaging-centre availability.

Tesla, abbreviated as “T”, describes the strength of the MRI machine’s magnetic field.

1.5 Tesla sacrum MRI

A 1.5 Tesla MRI is widely used for musculoskeletal imaging and can produce clinically useful images for many sacral conditions.

It may be suitable for assessing:

• Sacral bone and bone marrow
• Stress and insufficiency injuries
• Surrounding soft tissues
• Areas of inflammation
• Many common structural abnormalities

3 Tesla sacrum MRI

A 3 Tesla MRI uses a stronger magnetic field and may provide a higher signal or allow more detailed imaging for selected clinical questions.

It may be considered when:

• Greater anatomical detail is clinically useful
• Small structures require focused assessment
• A specialised protocol is requested
• The referring doctor or radiologist considers it appropriate
• The imaging requirements favour a 3 Tesla examination

A 3 Tesla machine is not automatically better for every sacral condition. A 1.5 Tesla MRI may provide the necessary diagnostic information and may be more suitable in some circumstances.

The scanner should be selected according to the clinical question rather than field strength alone.

Is a wide-bore MRI available for claustrophobic patients?

Yes. Wide-bore MRI machines are available for patients who are claustrophobic or uncomfortable in conventional MRI scanners, subject to suitability and appointment availability.

A wide-bore MRI has a larger internal opening than many traditional MRI machines. The additional space may help patients who:

• Feel anxious in enclosed spaces
• Have previously been unable to complete an MRI
• Are concerned about claustrophobia
• Have a larger body size
• Find conventional scanners uncomfortable
• Prefer a more spacious scanning environment

A wide-bore MRI is not the same as a completely open MRI. The patient will still be positioned inside the scanner, but the opening is wider and may feel less restrictive.

Patients concerned about claustrophobia should inform The Pain Relief Clinic before the appointment so that a suitable imaging centre and scanner can be considered.

For severe claustrophobia, additional preparation or medication may still be required.

What are the potential benefits of sacrum MRI?

When medically appropriate, sacrum MRI offers several potential benefits:

• It provides detailed images of the sacral bone and bone marrow
• It may identify certain stress or insufficiency fractures not visible on an early X-ray
• It can assess the sacral canal and surrounding soft tissues
• It may help investigate persistent or unexplained sacral pain
• It may assist with treatment or specialist-referral planning
• It does not use ionising radiation
• It is non-invasive
• Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla options are available
• Wide-bore MRI is available for selected claustrophobic patients
• The examination includes MRI images
• A radiologist’s report is provided

MRI also has limitations:

• Not every abnormality seen on MRI causes symptoms
• MRI findings must be interpreted with the examination
• The scan may not fully assess the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joints or coccyx
• Some fractures are better characterised with CT
• Some conditions require blood tests or other investigations
• MRI may not be needed if the result will not change treatment

Is sacrum MRI safe?

MRI does not use ionising radiation and is generally considered safe when the required safety checks are completed.

Before the scan, tell the clinic and imaging centre if you have:

• A pacemaker or implanted defibrillator
• A cochlear implant
• Aneurysm clips
• A neurostimulator
• An implanted medication pump
• Metal fragments in the eye or body
• Previous surgery involving metallic implants
• Spinal or pelvic implants
• Kidney disease
• A previous reaction to MRI contrast
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
• Severe claustrophobia
• Difficulty remaining still
• Any implanted or attached medical device

Some implants can be scanned only under specific conditions. The imaging provider must verify the exact device information before the MRI.

Metallic implants may affect image quality. A specialised MRI protocol or particular scanner strength may sometimes be preferred.

Is contrast required for a sacrum MRI?

Most routine sacrum MRI examinations can be performed without contrast.

Contrast may be considered for particular clinical questions, including selected cases involving:

• A suspected mass
• Infection
• Inflammatory disease
• Previous sacral or pelvic surgery
• Previous radiotherapy
• A relevant history of cancer
• A bone-marrow abnormality requiring further characterisation

If contrast is recommended, the reason, relevant safety considerations and any additional charges will be explained before the scan.

What happens during a sacrum MRI?

Before the examination, you will complete an MRI safety questionnaire and remove items that may contain metal.

During the scan:

1. You will lie on the MRI examination table.
2. The sacral and pelvic region will be positioned using the appropriate imaging equipment.
3. The table will move into the scanner.
4. You will hear loud knocking, tapping or humming sounds.
5. Hearing protection will be provided.
6. You will need to remain still while the images are acquired.
7. The radiographer will be able to communicate with you throughout the examination.

The duration depends on the required MRI protocol and whether additional sequences or contrast are needed.

After the examination, a radiologist will review the images and prepare a report.

Current sacrum MRI price in Singapore

Sacrum MRI: S$1,000

The S$1,000 price includes:

• The sacrum MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report
• Access to a 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla MRI machine, depending on clinical requirements and availability
• A wide-bore MRI option when appropriate and available

Price last reviewed: 9 August 2026

Additional charges may apply if:

• Contrast is medically required
• Specialised imaging sequences are required
• A different MRI protocol is needed
• Separate lumbar, sacroiliac-joint, coccyx or pelvic imaging is required
• Additional imaging is requested or recommended

The final scanner, scan coverage, protocol and price will be confirmed before proceeding.

Can MediSave be used for a sacrum MRI?

From 1 January 2026, the MediSave annual withdrawal limit for eligible outpatient scans increased to up to S$600 per patient per year.

Eligibility is not automatic. It depends on:

• Whether the MRI is used to diagnose or treat a medical condition
• The prevailing MediSave rules
• Whether the scan is performed through an eligible participating medical institution
• The patient’s remaining annual withdrawal limit
• Whether the applicable medical and administrative requirements are satisfied

Patients may be able to use their own MediSave or an eligible immediate family member’s MediSave, subject to prevailing rules.

The S$600 figure is a maximum annual withdrawal limit for eligible outpatient scans. It does not guarantee that S$600 will be approved or available for every sacrum MRI.

Please confirm eligibility before proceeding.

Can insurance cover a sacrum MRI?

Private insurance may cover a medically indicated sacrum MRI, but coverage depends on the individual policy.

Possible requirements may include:

• Documented medical necessity
• An appropriate medical referral
• Insurer pre-authorisation
• Use of an approved panel imaging centre
• A deductible or co-payment
• Limits on outpatient diagnostic benefits
• Submission of supporting medical information
• Submission of the invoice and radiologist’s report

The insurer makes the final decision about approval and reimbursement.

Patients who intend to claim through insurance should confirm their coverage and any pre-authorisation requirements before undergoing the MRI.

How quickly can a sacrum MRI be arranged?

When MRI is medically appropriate, The Pain Relief Clinic can often help arrange a sacrum MRI within one working day.

This is subject to:

• Imaging-centre availability
• Availability of the appropriate 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla scanner
• Availability of a wide-bore scanner if requested
• The required MRI protocol
• MRI safety clearance
• Whether contrast is required
• Insurance or MediSave administrative requirements
• The patient’s availability

A one-working-day appointment cannot be guaranteed in every case.

Frequently asked questions

What area does a sacrum MRI examine?

A sacrum MRI focuses on the sacral bone, sacral bone marrow, sacral canal and surrounding soft tissues.

Is a sacrum MRI the same as a lumbar spine MRI?

No. A lumbar spine MRI focuses on the lumbar vertebrae, discs, spinal canal and lumbar nerve roots. A sacrum MRI focuses specifically on the sacral region.

Is a sacrum MRI the same as a lumbosacral spine MRI?

No. A lumbosacral spine MRI focuses primarily on the lumbar spine and lumbosacral junction. A dedicated sacrum MRI provides more focused imaging of the sacral bone and surrounding structures.

Does a sacrum MRI include the sacroiliac joints?

Not necessarily as a dedicated examination. A separate sacroiliac-joint MRI may be required when those joints are the clinical focus.

Does a sacrum MRI include the coccyx?

Not necessarily. A dedicated coccyx or sacrococcygeal protocol may be required.

Can sacrum MRI show a stress fracture?

MRI can identify certain sacral stress and insufficiency fractures, including some that may not be visible on an early X-ray.

Is the scan performed on a 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla machine?

Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI machines are available. The most appropriate scanner depends on the clinical question, required protocol and appointment availability.

Is a 3 Tesla sacrum MRI always better?

No. A 3 Tesla MRI may offer advantages for selected clinical questions, but a 1.5 Tesla MRI can provide appropriate diagnostic images for many sacral conditions.

Is a wide-bore MRI available for claustrophobic patients?

Yes. Wide-bore MRI machines are available, subject to clinical suitability and appointment availability.

Is a wide-bore MRI the same as an open MRI?

No. A wide-bore scanner has a larger internal opening than many conventional MRI machines, but it is not completely open.

Does sacrum MRI use radiation?

No. MRI does not use ionising radiation.

Is contrast always required?

No. Most routine sacrum MRI examinations can be performed without contrast. Contrast may be recommended for selected clinical questions.

How much does a sacrum MRI cost?

A sacrum MRI available through The Pain Relief Clinic costs S$1,000.

The price includes:

• The sacrum MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report

Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI machines are available depending on the clinical requirements. Wide-bore MRI is also available for selected claustrophobic patients, subject to suitability and appointment availability.

Additional charges may apply if contrast, specialised imaging sequences or a different MRI protocol is medically required.

Can I use up to S$600 of MediSave?

Up to S$600 per patient per year may be withdrawn for eligible outpatient scans from 1 January 2026. Eligibility depends on prevailing rules, the participating medical institution, the remaining annual limit and the circumstances of the claim.

Will insurance cover the sacrum MRI?

It depends on the patient’s policy and clinical circumstances. Medical necessity, pre-authorisation, panel restrictions, deductibles or co-payments may apply.

Will I receive the MRI images and report?

Yes. The S$1,000 price includes the images from the examination and a radiologist’s report.

Can the MRI be arranged within one working day?

The Pain Relief Clinic can often help arrange a medically indicated sacrum MRI within one working day, subject to MRI safety clearance, imaging-centre availability and availability of the appropriate scanner.

Arrange a sacrum MRI

If persistent sacral, lower-back or buttock pain is interfering with sitting, walking, work or daily activities, The Pain Relief Clinic can assess whether further investigation may be appropriate.

When medically indicated, the clinic can help arrange an affordably priced sacrum MRI, often within one working day.

Sacrum MRI: S$1,000

The price includes:

• The sacrum MRI scan
• Images from the examination
• A radiologist’s report

Depending on clinical requirements and availability, the scan may be arranged using:

• A 1.5 Tesla MRI machine
• A 3 Tesla MRI machine
• A wide-bore MRI machine for patients concerned about claustrophobia

Important medical information

This page provides general educational and pricing information. It does not replace an individual medical assessment.

MRI is not required for every episode of sacral, lower-back or buttock pain. The most appropriate scan area, scanner, field strength and protocol depend on the clinical question and individual circumstances.

Prices, availability, scanner type, scan coverage, MediSave eligibility and insurance coverage should be confirmed before proceeding.

Call 995 or seek immediate emergency care for severe trauma, new bladder or bowel dysfunction, inability to urinate, saddle numbness, rapidly worsening leg weakness, inability to walk or sudden neurological symptoms.