What is a joint MRI?
A joint MRI examines the soft tissue and bones of your joints. It can detect damage and abnormalities in your joint’s cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bone, and even the blood vessels. It’s commonly used on the:
- Wrist
- Elbow
- Shoulder
- Ankle
- Knee
This noninvasive, painless exam generates high-quality, three-dimensional, digital images of your joint and the associated tissues. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, there’s no radiation involved in MRIs.
Why would I need an MRI of my joint?
MRIs of the joint are instrumental in detecting and evaluating the severity of many conditions including:
- Sports-related and auto-accident injuries
- Cartilage damage
- Tendon tears and damage
- Ligament tears and damage
- Bone fractures
- Osteoarthritis
- Infections
- Tumors
- Dislocation
- Inflammation
- Falls and trauma
The team at Precise MRI of Michigan uses the images to diagnose and monitor these conditions, often in collaboration with another specialist, like your orthopedist, rheumatologist, oncologist, or primary care provider. Depending on the nature of your condition and the information provided by your joint MRI, you may also need an arthrogram.
How should I prepare for my MRI of my joint?
While you likely will not need to modify your diet, medications, activity, or sleep, there are a few factors important to consider to ensure the MRI of your joint goes safely. The technicians need to know if you have any metal anywhere in your body, including:
- Brain aneurysm clips
- Vascular stents
- Pacemakers
- Defibrillators
- Artificial joints
- Inner ear implants
- Some heart valves
Additionally, if you have ever worked with sheet metal or been injured by shrapnel, it is important to let the Precise MRI staff know. All of these circumstances pose risks to your safety as well as the quality of the machine’s imaging. While the staff will check, make sure to leave any metallic items like your pen, change, or jewelry as well as any digital items like your mobile phone outside the room before your exam.
If you are pregnant, notify the MRI technician staff. If you experience claustrophobia, let your radiologist know. Precise MRI has an open MRI that may better serve you. Alternatively, your physician can provide mild sedatives.
If you have a joint injury or are experiencing unknown discomfort in your joint, schedule a joint MRI with Precise MRI of Michigan today by calling or booking online.
