Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues.  MRI provides clear pictures of soft-tissue structures near and around bones.  It can help provide a quick and more accurate diagnosis for your physician which in some situations can reduce the need for exploratory surgery and other diagnostic procedures which might have associated risk.

Why Do I Need an MRI?

MRI is used to diagnose possible tears or sports-related injuries, especially those involving the knee, hip, wrist, elbow and shoulder.  The images provide physicians with a clear picture of even the smallest tears and injuries to ligaments and muscles.   

How Do I Prepare for an MRI?

On most scans you will wear your regular clothes.  You will want to wear comfortable clothing with as little metal on them as possible (no snaps, zippers, buttons, belt buckles etc.)  Loose fitting jewelry, watches, and necklaces need to be removed.  Body piercings, except stud earrings, need to be removed.

Because of the potential harmful effects associated with some metal objects in a magnetic field you should check with the MRI technologist if you have any of the following:  pacemaker, metal implants, intrauterine device, aneurysm clips, surgical staples, or foreign metal objects in eye.

What Happens During the Procedure of an MRI?

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire which will be reviewed by the MRI technologist.  This will be followed by a brief interview with the technologist who will discuss the MRI procedure and confirm all safety screening questions.  Because we use a large magnet in the MRI, no metallic objects or mechanical devices can enter the imaging room.

Patients are often pleasantly surprised to discover that the MRI examination is an easy and comfortable experience.  During the MRI exam, you will be lying on a firm table.  You will be comfortably positioned for the exam and the table will then move into the center of the MRI machine.  You will be asked to relax and lie as still as possible. 

During the MRI exam, you will be carefully monitored by your MRI technologist from an adjacent room.  As the individual sequences are performed, you will hear a faint knocking sound from the MRI machine that represents the changes in the magnetic field that are part of the imaging process.  A technologist will be able to see you at all times. 

For your convenience, an intercom system is built into the magnet so that if you need anything, the technologist will be right there.  The exam takes approximately 30 – 60 minutes.  When the scan is finished, the technologist will assist you out of the scan room and you are free to leave.  A radiologist will interpret the pictures and send a report to your physician for follow-up.