Sacroiliac Joints (also called SI Joints) connect the sacrum to the ilium and connect the spine to the pelvis.
The sacrum is the part of the pelvic bone that sits between the SI Joints connecting the sacrum to the rest of the pelvis.
The indication for an MRI of the sacrum area is trauma to the area or suspicion of inflammation of the SI joints leading to pain around the pelvis/hips occasionally radiating to thighs and legs.
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