Leg MRI - Overview & Technique

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the leg is a noninvasive method to create detailed pictures of the leg, including the ankle, foot, and surrounding tissues. A leg MRI also creates pictures of the knee. However, the knee is discussed in a separate article. See also: MRI of the knee. Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic (CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet. The magnetic field produced by an MRI is about 10 thousand times greater than the earth's. The magnetic field forces hydrogen atoms in the body to line up in a certain way (similar to how the needle on a compass moves when you hold it near a magnet). When radio waves are sent toward the lined-up hydrogen atoms, they bounce back, and a computer records the signal. Different types of tissues send back different signals. Single MRI images are called slices. The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film. One exam produces dozens or sometimes hundreds of images.

Leg MRI - Alternative Names and Explanations

MRI - lower extremity; Magnetic resonance imaging - leg; Magnetic resonance imaging - lower extremity; MRI - ankle; Magnetic resonance imaging - ankle; MRI - femur; MRI - leg, MRI Lower Ext. Non Jnt (femur/tib-fib) w/o contrast CPT code 73718, MRI Lower Ext. Non Jnt (femur/tib-fib) with contrast CPT code 73720

Leg MRI Benefits versus Other Diagnostic Test

• MRI can help physicians evaluate the function as well as the structure of many organs.
• The detail makes MRI an invaluable tool in early diagnosis and evaluation of tumors.
• MRI contrast material is less likely to produce an allergic reaction than the iodine-based materials used for conventional x-rays and CT scanning.
• MRI enables the detection of abnormalities that might be obscured by bone with other imaging methods.
• Exposure to radiation is avoided.

MRI of the Leg - Indications, Common Uses, & Positive Findings

• MRI is widely used to diagnose sports-related injuries, especially those affecting the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow and wrist. The images allow the physician to see even very small tears and injuries to ligaments and muscles.
• Can also be examined in high detail with MRI, enabling the diagnosis and evaluation of tumors and functional disorders.
•  A mass that can be felt on a physical exam
• An abnormal finding on an x-ray or bone scan
• Birth defects of the leg, ankle, or foot
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
• Bone pain and fever
• Broken bone
• Decreased motion of the ankle joint
• Pain, swelling, or redness in a leg
• Redness or swelling of the ankle joint
• Signs of cancer or a tumor
• Signs of injury to the leg or ankle muscle, cartilage, or ligaments
• Unexplained leg, foot, or ankle pain that does not get better with treatment
• Evaluate an infection or abscessIdentify a mass or tumor, including cancer
• Monitor your progress after leg, foot, or ankle surgery

Leg MRI - Images

Leg MRI - References, Links, and Additional Information

Schedule Your Leg MRI Today! 

• If you are looking for professional radiology services at your imaging site/center, call us at 1-800-626-8315 or contact us for a consultation. 

• If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Mid-Wilshire and need to schedule a radiology examination such as a MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, X ray, or PET scan, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

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