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Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe, totally painless, non-invasive way to look inside the
body. The pictures created during the exam look at the soft tissues as well as the
bone and provide information that can improve the diagnosis. MRI is a way of looking inside the body without x-rays. The exam
uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create images of the various tissues of the body.
These images are then transferred onto an x-ray film for viewing and
interpretation.
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A typical knee MR image
(lateral or sagital view) demonstrating
the femur, tibia, cruciate ligaments,
and surrounding muscle, tendon, and soft tissues |
Most radiology offices and hospitals have
traditional MRI scanners which utilize large magnets and therefore require the patient to
be "inside" the machine. Newer models tend to be more "open"
however, many patients still feel enclosed and often develop claustrophobia.
Using state-of-the-art technology with computer
software enhancement, it is now possible to perform MRI scanning of the extremities while
the patient sits in a comfortable chair with only the leg or arm inside the magnet.
The LUNAR Extremity MRI Scanner uses these advanced concepts, and is now available at our
facility.
This patient
is having an MRI performed on his left knee.
The technologist,
seated at the control panel, is viewing the images on the computer monitor.
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The complete exam will take 30-45 minutes. You
can eat, drink, and take any regularly prescribed medications prior to the examination.
Metal-containing items (i.e. watches, jewelry, keys, etc.) are removed in order to
avoid interference with the magnetic field. Patients sit or lay in the reclining
exam chair and relax, and are free to read or sleep during the examination. There is
no pain, vibration or unusual sensation. The MRI scanner will produce a quiet
tapping sound during the examination.
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