You’ve had an injury, and now you are not feeling right, but you’re not quite sure what is wrong. If you are suffering from an orthopedic injury, your medical provider may recommend you receive an MRI. This diagnostic test allows our doctors to see your condition in greater detail – but how? Let’s discuss what an MRI is, what it can detect, and where you can go to receive one in Southwest Florida.
What is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technique that creates detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body. MRIs work using a magnetic field and advanced computer-generated radio waves in a large magnetic machine that looks like a tube. When you lie down in the tube, the magnetic fields and radio waves work together to create cross-section images of your body – similar to slicing a sandwich in half. These detailed cross-section images allow our providers to get a more detailed view of what’s happening inside your body.
What Can an MRI Detect?
An MRI can be used to view different body areas depending on where you’re feeling unwell. The high-resolution images produced by the MRI can help your provider diagnose a wide range of conditions, including conditions affecting the brain, bones, joints, heart, and more.
MRI of the Brain & Spinal Cord
An MRI of the brain and spinal cord can detect a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Aneurysms
- Brain injury or brain trauma
- Brain tumors
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Stroke
An MRI is useful for diagnosing the brain and spine because it can provide imaging of blood flow to the brain in real-time. This type of MRI is called a functional MRI or fMRI. An fMRI can be used to determine brain injuries and can also be used to determine the progress of a degenerative disease like Alzheimer’s disease.
MRI of the Bones & Joints
An MRI of the bones and joints is more straightforward. Orthopedic specialists may suggest an MRI if any of the following conditions are suspected.
- Bone infections
- Cartilage tears
- Joint abnormalities
- Ligament tears
- Spinal disk conditions
- Tumors
When Should I Get an MRI?
Your provider may suggest you receive an MRI to diagnose your condition when you are feeling pain or discomfort within the bones and joints but are not sure exactly what’s wrong. They also may recommend receiving regular MRIs to continue monitoring the progress of your orthopedic conditionto determine whether it is worsening or getting better. Depending on the results of your MRIs, your provider will be able to adjust your course of treatment to ensure you return to your pre-injury condition as quickly as possible.
MRIs in Southwest Florida
Receiving an MRI doesn’t have to be a hassle. The providers at Joint Replacement Institute are here to help you by providing comprehensive, high-quality care that’s both affordable and convenient. In addition to full-body MRI imaging, we proudly provide digital X-rays, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound imaging on our premises.
The Joint Replacement Institute is your premier center for receivingan MRI.To learn more about our surgical and nonsurgical services,call us today at (239) 261-2663. You may also fill out our convenient online appointment request form to request a private consultation.
