Sacroiliac Joints MRI in Singapore: Price, Uses and Scanner Options

Sacroiliac joints MRI price: S$1,000

An MRI of the sacroiliac joints available through The Pain Relief Clinic in Singapore currently costs S$1,000.

The S$1,000 price includes:

• MRI of the sacroiliac joints
• 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 sacroiliac-joint 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 an MRI of the sacroiliac joints within one working day, subject to imaging-centre availability and scheduling.

What are the sacroiliac joints?

The sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum at the base of the spine to the left and right sides of the pelvis.

They transfer load between the spine and lower limbs and are supported by strong ligaments.

Pain near the sacroiliac joints may be felt:

• On one or both sides of the lower back
• Over the upper buttocks
• Near the dimples at the base of the spine
• Around the back of the pelvis
• Occasionally into the groin or upper thigh

Pain in this area does not always originate from the sacroiliac joints. Similar symptoms may arise from the lumbar spine, hips, sacrum, muscles, tendons or other structures.

What is a sacroiliac joints MRI?

A sacroiliac joints MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to examine both sacroiliac joints and the surrounding bone marrow and soft tissues.

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

A dedicated sacroiliac-joint protocol may assess:

• Left and right sacroiliac joints
• Joint surfaces
• Adjacent sacral bone marrow
• Adjacent iliac bone marrow
• Areas of bone-marrow oedema
• Structural joint changes
• Surrounding soft tissues
• Areas of inflammation or fluid
• Other abnormalities requiring assessment

A sacroiliac joints MRI is not the same as a routine lumbar spine, sacrum, hip or pelvic MRI. The dedicated imaging protocol and coverage should be confirmed before proceeding.

When might a doctor consider a sacroiliac joints MRI?

A doctor may consider MRI of the sacroiliac joints when symptoms or examination findings raise concern about inflammation or another structural abnormality involving these joints.

Possible situations include:

• Persistent pain over one or both sacroiliac-joint regions
• Lower-back or buttock pain beginning at a younger age
• Pain and stiffness that are worse after rest
• Prolonged morning stiffness
• Symptoms that improve with movement or exercise
• Night pain that improves after getting up
• Alternating buttock pain
• Suspected sacroiliitis
• Suspected axial spondyloarthritis
• Abnormal blood tests or other clinical features suggesting inflammation
• Persistent symptoms despite a normal or inconclusive X-ray
• Suspected infection
• Persistent pain after an injury
• An abnormality identified on another investigation
• Planning treatment when MRI findings could affect the decision

Having one of these features does not automatically mean that MRI is required or that inflammatory arthritis is present.

MRI findings should be interpreted together with:

• Symptoms
• Physical examination
• Medical history
• Blood tests
• X-rays or other imaging
• Family history
• Other clinical features

Symptoms that may suggest inflammatory back pain

Features that may raise concern about an inflammatory cause include:

• Symptoms beginning before the age of 40 or 45
• Gradual onset
• Persistent morning stiffness
• Improvement with exercise
• Limited improvement with rest
• Pain during the second half of the night
• Alternating buttock pain
• A history of eye inflammation
• Psoriasis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• A family history of spondyloarthritis
• Other inflammatory symptoms

These features do not establish a diagnosis by themselves.

A person may have inflammatory symptoms with a normal MRI, while MRI changes can sometimes occur for reasons other than inflammatory arthritis.

Clinical assessment remains essential.

Mechanical sacroiliac-region pain

Pain around the sacroiliac region may also be related to mechanical or load-related factors.

Possible contributing factors include:

• A fall or direct impact
• Pregnancy-related pelvic changes
• Repetitive loading
• Changes in walking or movement
• Previous lower-limb injury
• Muscle or tendon problems
• Hip-related conditions
• Lumbar spine conditions
• Other pelvic abnormalities

MRI is not always required for mechanical pain around the sacroiliac region.

Assessment may include:

• Location and behaviour of the pain
• Examination of the lumbar spine and hips
• Neurological assessment
• Functional movement assessment
• Other imaging when appropriate

Sacroiliac pain affecting daily life

Persistent sacroiliac-region symptoms can interfere with:

• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Turning in bed
• Getting in or out of a car
• Bending
• Lifting
• Running
• Gym training
• Sport
• Work
• Household tasks
• Caring for children or older family members

Some people seek assessment because pain or stiffness is reducing their productivity or preventing them from exercising. Others worry that reduced mobility may affect their independence or make them increasingly reliant on family members.

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

What can a sacroiliac joints MRI show?

The findings depend on the scan protocol and clinical question.

Bone-marrow oedema

MRI may show increased fluid-related signal within the bone marrow adjacent to the sacroiliac joints.

Bone-marrow oedema can occur with active inflammation, but it is not specific to one condition.

Similar changes may sometimes be associated with:

• Mechanical stress
• Exercise
• Pregnancy or the period after childbirth
• Trauma
• Infection
• Other conditions

The pattern, location and extent of the findings should be interpreted together with the clinical situation.

Structural joint changes

MRI may show structural abnormalities involving the sacroiliac joints, including:

• Erosions
• Fat-related bone-marrow changes
• Sclerosis
• Joint-space changes
• Partial or complete fusion
• Other chronic structural findings

Some structural changes may be better assessed or confirmed with X-ray or CT.

Infection

MRI may be considered when infection of a sacroiliac joint is suspected.

Possible clinical features may include:

• Severe localised pain
• Fever
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Rapidly worsening symptoms
• Recent infection
• Recent surgery or procedure
• Reduced immunity

Suspected infection requires prompt medical assessment and may also require blood tests, cultures and urgent treatment.

Stress or traumatic injury

MRI may show:

• Bone bruising
• Stress-related bone changes
• Some fractures
• Surrounding inflammation
• Soft-tissue injury

Significant trauma may require X-ray or CT before MRI is considered.

Can MRI diagnose sacroiliitis or axial spondyloarthritis?

MRI can provide important information, but it does not establish the diagnosis by itself.

The diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis may involve:

• Symptom pattern
• Age at onset
• Physical examination
• MRI findings
• X-rays
• Blood tests
• Family history
• Psoriasis
• Eye inflammation
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Response to treatment
• Assessment by an appropriate doctor

MRI abnormalities must be interpreted carefully because some findings may also occur in people without inflammatory arthritis.

A normal MRI does not necessarily exclude every inflammatory condition.

Sacroiliac joints MRI versus lumbar spine MRI

These examinations focus on different structures.

Sacroiliac joints MRI

This examination focuses on:

• Both sacroiliac joints
• Joint surfaces
• Adjacent sacral and iliac bone marrow
• Inflammatory and structural joint changes

Lumbar spine MRI

A lumbar spine MRI focuses on:

• Lumbar vertebrae
• Intervertebral discs
• Spinal canal
• Nerve roots
• Facet joints

A sacroiliac joints MRI does not provide a complete assessment of the lumbar discs or nerve roots. A lumbar spine MRI does not necessarily provide a dedicated assessment of the sacroiliac joints.

Sacroiliac joints MRI versus sacrum MRI

Sacroiliac joints MRI

This uses a dedicated protocol centred on both sacroiliac joints.

Sacrum MRI

A sacrum MRI focuses on:

• Sacral bone
• Sacral bone marrow
• Sacral canal
• Surrounding sacral structures

The correct examination depends on whether the clinical concern involves the joints or the sacral bone itself.

Sacroiliac joints MRI versus pelvic MRI

A pelvic MRI covers a broader anatomical region.

A dedicated sacroiliac joints MRI provides more focused imaging of:

• Joint surfaces
• Adjacent bone marrow
• Inflammatory changes
• Structural joint abnormalities

A general pelvis MRI may not include all sequences needed for detailed assessment of suspected sacroiliitis.

When might MRI not be the first investigation?

MRI is not always the first or most appropriate investigation for pain near the sacroiliac joints.

Clinical assessment without immediate imaging

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

• There are no concerning warning signs
• There is no significant trauma
• Inflammatory disease is not strongly suspected
• Symptoms are recent
• Imaging is unlikely to change initial treatment

X-ray

A pelvic or sacroiliac-joint X-ray may show:

• Joint-space changes
• Sclerosis
• Erosions
• Fusion
• Other chronic structural abnormalities

Early inflammatory changes may not be visible on X-ray.

CT

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

• Structural joint changes
• Selected fractures
• Detailed bony anatomy
• Situations where MRI is unsuitable

CT uses ionising radiation and does not show active bone-marrow inflammation in the same way as MRI.

Blood tests and other assessment

Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may consider:

• Inflammatory markers
• HLA-B27 testing where appropriate
• Other blood tests
• Rheumatological assessment
• Lumbar spine or hip imaging
• Other investigations

When are sacroiliac-region symptoms an emergency?

An outpatient sacroiliac joints MRI 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
• Sudden inability to walk
• Severe pelvic or lower-back pain following major trauma
• Fever with severe sacroiliac or pelvic pain
• Rapidly worsening pain with systemic illness
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain with fainting
• Sudden one-sided weakness
• Facial drooping
• Difficulty speaking
• Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath

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

Is the sacroiliac joints 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 sacroiliac joints MRI

A 1.5 Tesla MRI is widely used for sacroiliac-joint imaging and can produce clinically useful images for many conditions.

It may be suitable for assessing:

• Joint surfaces
• Adjacent bone marrow
• Bone-marrow oedema
• Structural changes
• Surrounding tissues
• Many common abnormalities

3 Tesla sacroiliac joints 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 structural abnormalities require focused assessment
• A specialised inflammatory-joint 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 sacroiliac-joint condition. A properly performed 1.5 Tesla MRI may provide the necessary diagnostic information.

The scanner and protocol 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 scanner can be considered.

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

What are the potential benefits of sacroiliac joints MRI?

When medically appropriate, MRI of the sacroiliac joints offers several potential benefits:

• It provides focused images of both sacroiliac joints
• It can assess adjacent bone marrow
• It may show active inflammatory changes
• It may show chronic structural abnormalities
• It may identify certain stress or traumatic changes
• It may help investigate suspected sacroiliitis
• 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:

• MRI findings do not establish a diagnosis by themselves
• Bone-marrow oedema is not specific to inflammatory arthritis
• Some people with inflammatory disease may have a normal MRI
• MRI findings must be interpreted with symptoms, examination and other tests
• The scan does not fully assess the lumbar spine or hips
• Some structural abnormalities may be better shown with CT
• MRI may not be needed if the result will not change treatment

Is sacroiliac joints 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, pelvic or hip implants
• Kidney disease
• A previous reaction to MRI contrast
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
• Recent childbirth
• 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.

Recent pregnancy and childbirth should be disclosed because they may be relevant when interpreting sacroiliac-joint bone-marrow changes.

Is contrast required?

Most routine sacroiliac joints MRI examinations for suspected sacroiliitis can be performed without contrast when the appropriate sequences are obtained.

Contrast may be considered for selected clinical questions involving:

• Suspected infection
• A suspected mass
• Previous surgery
• An abnormality requiring further characterisation
• Another specific clinical concern

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

What happens during a sacroiliac joints 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 pelvis and sacroiliac regions 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 prescribed protocol and whether additional sequences or contrast are required.

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

Current sacroiliac joints MRI price in Singapore

Sacroiliac joints MRI: S$1,000

The S$1,000 price includes:

• MRI of the sacroiliac joints
• 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 spine, sacrum, hip 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 sacroiliac joints 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 sacroiliac joints MRI.

Please confirm eligibility before proceeding.

Can insurance cover a sacroiliac joints MRI?

Private insurance may cover a medically indicated MRI of the sacroiliac joints, 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 sacroiliac joints MRI be arranged?

When MRI is medically appropriate, The Pain Relief Clinic can often help arrange an MRI of the sacroiliac joints 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
• Availability of the dedicated sacroiliac-joint 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 sacroiliac joints MRI examine?

It examines both sacroiliac joints, the joint surfaces and adjacent sacral and iliac bone marrow.

Can MRI diagnose sacroiliitis?

MRI may show findings associated with active or previous sacroiliitis, but the diagnosis must be based on the complete clinical picture and not MRI alone.

Can MRI diagnose axial spondyloarthritis?

MRI can contribute important information, but it does not establish or exclude axial spondyloarthritis by itself. Symptoms, examination, blood tests, X-rays and other clinical features may also be relevant.

What does bone-marrow oedema mean?

Bone-marrow oedema describes increased fluid-related signal within the bone. It may occur with inflammation but can also be associated with mechanical loading, exercise, pregnancy, trauma, infection or other conditions.

Is a sacroiliac joints MRI the same as a lumbar spine MRI?

No. A lumbar spine MRI focuses on vertebrae, discs, the spinal canal and nerve roots. A sacroiliac joints MRI uses a dedicated protocol focused on both sacroiliac joints.

Is it the same as a sacrum MRI?

No. A sacrum MRI focuses on the sacral bone and surrounding structures. A sacroiliac joints MRI focuses on the joints between the sacrum and pelvis.

Is it the same as a pelvis MRI?

No. A pelvis MRI covers a broader area. A dedicated sacroiliac joints MRI provides more focused images of the joint surfaces and adjacent bone marrow.

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 sacroiliac joints MRI always better?

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

Is a wide-bore MRI available for claustrophobic patients?

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

Does sacroiliac joints MRI use radiation?

No. MRI does not use ionising radiation.

Is contrast always required?

No. Most routine sacroiliac-joint MRI examinations can be performed without contrast. Contrast may be recommended for selected questions such as suspected infection.

How much does a sacroiliac joints MRI cost?

An MRI of the sacroiliac joints available through The Pain Relief Clinic costs S$1,000.

The price includes:

• MRI of the sacroiliac joints
• 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 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 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 sacroiliac joints MRI within one working day, subject to MRI safety clearance, imaging-centre availability and availability of the appropriate scanner and protocol.

Arrange a sacroiliac joints MRI

If persistent lower-back, buttock or sacroiliac-region pain and stiffness are interfering with work, walking, sleep 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 MRI of the sacroiliac joints, often within one working day.

Sacroiliac joints MRI: S$1,000

The price includes:

• MRI of the sacroiliac joints
• 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 findings alone do not diagnose sacroiliitis or axial spondyloarthritis. 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 pelvic or spinal trauma, new bladder or bowel dysfunction, inability to urinate, saddle numbness, rapidly worsening leg weakness, inability to walk or sudden neurological symptoms.