Many times a Physician needs to see more information than a regular x-ray can demonstrate; that’s when an MRI is indicated. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is unlike an x-ray as it contains no radiation, it uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and all surrounding soft tissue.
So, as you can tell, it is a valuable tool in the orthopedic venue. We offer, on site, an Extremity MRI capable of performing scans of the foot, ankle, calf, knee, hand, wrist, arm, elbow and shoulder in a comfortable, OPEN, non-claustrophobic environment. Each MRI requires an appointment and takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Because of the strong magnetic field, we cannot perform MRI’s on patients with pacemakers or implanted aneurysm clips in the brain, or if you are pregnant. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire prior to your test and will also be asked to remove anything and everything that may be affected by the magnet such as cell phones, car keys, credit cards, jewelry, belts, watches, hair clips, money clips, glasses, hearing aids, etc. You will be given a safe place to store these items where you can see them at all times. Once the scan is finished, beautiful, diagnostic images are sent and stored on our PACS (Picture Archiving Communication System) for the physician to review and discuss with you.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another modern diagnostic imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images of your body. Unlike CT scans, MRI works without radiation. The MRI tool uses magnetic fields and a sophisticated computer to take high-resolution pictures of your bones and soft tissues. Tell your doctor if you have implants, metal clips, or other metal objects in your body before you undergo an MRI scan.
You lie as motionless as possible on a table that slides into the tube-shaped MRI scanner. The MRI creates a magnetic field around you and then pulses radio waves to the area of your body to be pictured. The radio waves cause your tissues to resonate.
A computer records the rate at which your body's various parts (tendons, ligaments, nerves, etc.) give off these vibrations, and translates the data into a detailed, two-dimensional picture. You will not feel any pain while undergoing an MRI, but the machine may be noisy.
An MRI may help your doctor to diagnose your torn knee ligaments and cartilage, torn rotator cuffs, herniated disks, hip and pelvic problems, and other problems. An MRI may take 30 to 90 minutes. It is not available at all hospitals.