MRI Extremities

Overview-
An Extremity MRI is an imaging study that can show the radiologist and ordering physician images of your joints and extremities. MRI’s of the extremities can show tumors, fractures, tears in joints, etc. It is a very valuable diagnostic imaging device that uses a magnetic field to view body parts. There is no radiation involved.

Preparation-
No preparation is required.

Length of exam-
An MRI of the extremity takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

**Before any patient has an MRI procedure, a DETAILED questionnaire must be filled out completely by the patient to rule out any contraindications, including pacemakers, metal or foreign objects in the body. The MRI magnet has the potential to stop pacemakers, pull metal objects into the scanner, etc. You will also be asked to remove your watch, hearing aids and other jewelry as it can be harmed by the magnet. Credit cards in the area of the magnet field will be erased. Please make sure that you tell the technologist any pertinent information.

How is the exam performed?
You will be taken to the MRI scanner and asked to lay in various positions according to the body part being imaged. It is very important to hold still for the images to process normally. If you have any problems with claustrophobia, please consult your physician prior to having the MRI. When the machine is taking images of your extremity you will hear a large knocking noise from the machine. You will be given ear plugs to help with the noise. You may also be given an MRI contrast called Gadolinium. This is not the same as the iodine based contrast in other parts of radiology.

Results-
Please contact your physician for the results of your test. The results will be available within a couple of days.

This page is intended for educational purposes only. This should not replace medical advice from your physician. Please call your physician if you have medical questions concerning your health. For any questions about the procedure, please contact the radiology department.