If you sustain orthopedic damage due to cartilage tear, ligament disruption, arthritis, or tendonitis, your orthopedic doctor might have recommended magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Magnetic resonance imaging is a medical diagnostic imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create a detailed image of almost every internal structure in the human body, including bones, organs, muscles, and blood vessels. MRI helps the doctor diagnose your medical condition and plan your treatment course.
If you’re planning to go for MRI, here are some facts you need to know about it.
#1: MRI Is Safe and Painless
Magnetic resonance imaging is a safe, painless, and noninvasive procedure. It poses almost no risk to an average person, following all the safety guidelines. The safety guideline involves removing any clothing, jewelry, and other metal objects that may interfere with the procedure. If you have a metal object or prosthesis in your body, inform your doctor before the scan.
Contrast dyes that are injected into your body before the scan may pose a minor risk of allergic reaction in some people.
#2: MRI Doesn’t Expose You to Radiation
One of the many reasons people prefer and doctors recommend MRI is that it doesn’t expose you to harmful radiation. MRI uses large magnets whose magnetic field temporarily realigns the water molecules present in your body. Then the radio waves cause these aligned atoms of water molecules to produce a faint signal. These signals are used to create a cross-sectional image of your body.
#3: MRI Scans Are Typically Short
Usually, the duration of your scan depends on the type of exam, equipment being used, and the part of your body being scanned. A typical MRI scan can take anywhere from 15 to 50 minutes to complete. MRI scans for orthopedic issues are typically short. For instance, a shoulder, knee, spine, and lumbar MRI takes 15 to 20 minutes.
#4: MRI Offers More Clarity About Orthopedic Injuries Than X-Rays
For orthopedic problems or injuries, MRI is preferred because it offers a sharp, clear, and crisp image of soft tissue injuries or disorders. MRI can evaluate:
- Bone infections
- Tumor of soft tissues and bones
- Abnormalities in spinal disc
- Hairline fractures (fractures that are too small for x-rays)
- Muscle strain or tear
- Progression of arthritis
- Injury to the bone, cartilage, or meniscus
#5: MRI Can Help Decide on the Course of Treatment
Not only MRI tests help make a diagnosis and reduce the need for exploratory surgeries but also help your doctor decide on the course of treatment. MRI scan provides a detailed image of your body which help your orthopedic surgeon monitor the healing of any disorder or injuries affecting your spine, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. MRI also enable your orthopedic doctor to make the necessary adjustment in your therapy if something goes wrong during your treatment.
MRIs Near Me in Naples, FL
At the Joint Replacement Institute, we offer on-site diagnostic imaging services, including magnetic resonance imaging. Our full-body MRI has made it easier for our orthopedic surgeons to get a detailed picture of your musculoskeletal system. It also saves our patients from the discomfort they may otherwise face while going elsewhere for MRI.
To know more about our orthopedic surgeons and diagnostic facilities, call us today at (239) 261-2663 or request an appointment online. We look forward to having you!
