MRI of the SI joints is used to detect inflammation or other pathological processes involving the sacroiliac joint or both joints.
Indications for an MRI scan of the SI joint region is often to evaluate SI joints as part of a workup for pain located around the lower back, hips and groins. It is not uncommon for sacroiliitis to cause pain that radiates down to the foot.
Pelvic MRI or L-spine MRI often pick up on inflammatory processes involving the SI joints as an incidental finding and reliably visualise edema of the bone marrow (swelling caused by inflammation).
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