An MRI is commonly used by doctors to examine an injury and get a good look at bones and soft tissues. An X-ray produces good images of bones, but for a comprehensive view of an injury, including possible tears and damage to nerves, muscles, cartilage, and ligaments, a doctor may order an MRI.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relies on magnetic fields and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body. Compared to an X-ray, an MRI uses no radiation and relies on the body’s natural magnetic properties. Let’s talk about how an MRI is used in the evaluation of orthopedic injuries.
How an MRI Works
First, let’s talk about how an MRI works. For the duration of the test, the patient lies on a table or sits in a chair, depending on the type of MRI machine being used. Assuming the patient is in a supine position, they will be asked to lie as motionless as possible on a sliding table. Next, the patient will be slid into a tube-shaped MRI scanner, which creates a magnetic field around the patient. The machine sends magnetic and radiofrequency waves into the body, causing the tissues to respond, resonating signals that the machine receives, and the computer processes into an image. The technician, who is in the next room, will be seeing a two-dimensional picture of the body part being examined. The entire procedure can take as little as 30 minutes to an hour to complete. It is painless, non-invasive, and produces results quickly.
An MRI may be used to diagnose torn muscles, rotator cuffs, ligaments, and cartilage, slipped discs, spinal cord issues, osteoarthritis, and bone tumors. Since both hard and soft tissues show up clearly with an MRI, it can reduce the need for other imaging techniques. MRI is not only used for diagnostic purposes but also to monitor the effectiveness of treatment, and see whether the injury is healing normally. The high-quality images produced by an MRI scanner help orthopedic doctors plan their patients’ treatments accordingly.
MRI Scan for Orthopedic Injuries in Naples, FL
MRI scanning is highly valuable in evaluating a wide range of orthopedic injuries and conditions. At the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, our orthopedic specialists make it very convenient for our patients to receive timely treatment. As part of our on-site services, we offer a number of diagnostic imaging techniques, including MRI, ultrasound, and digital X-rays. We also offer pain management and physical therapy services in the same facility.
Our physicians are board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons able to treat all manner of orthopedic conditions. Highly advanced imaging techniques are integral to our process of creating individualized treatment plans for our patients. We believe an accurate diagnosis is critical to receiving the right and most effective treatment.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons, call us today at (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to providing you with the best treatment for your injury or condition.
