Musculoskeletal MRI has a solid place in orthopedic diagnostics allowing for high-resolution imaging of joints, cartilage, ligaments, muscles and tendons in both acute and chronic disorders. MRI technique is sensitive to changes in the structure of cartilage resulting from aging, injury or illness.
It is also a reliable technique to prove the presence of fractures where conventional plain film might fail to do so, and accurately demonstrate soft tissue injuries or pathology such as bruising (hematoma), abscess, inflammation, fistulas and other acute and chronic concerns.
MRI is an excellent method to detect changes of the bone structure particularly of the bone marrow (containing fat and water) making it possible to identify osteonecrosis, tumours, bone marrow disease and congenital abnormalities.
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye
| Scan Type |
|---|
| Ankle MRI |
| Foot MRI |
| Forearm MRI |
| Full leg MRI |
| Humerus MRI |
| Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) MRI |
| Thigh MRI |
| Ulna or radius MRI |
| Upper arm MRI |
| Wrist MRI |