Musculoskeletal System MRI - Overview & Technique

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically, printed or copied to a CD. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays). Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and determine the presence of certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scanning).

Musculoskeletal System MRI - Alternative Names and Explanations

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System, Musculoskeletal system  MRI, MRI of the musculoskeletal system, MR Imaging of the musculoskeletal system, musculoskeletal mr, musculoskeletal MRI, msk mri, joint mri, orthopedic mri

Musculoskeletal System MRI - Benefits versus Other Diagnostic Tests

• 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, injuries and diseases that might be obscured by bone tissue with other imaging methods.
• MRI provides a fast, noninvasive way to assess a variety of muscle and joint injuries and disorders.
• The detail of MR images makes them an invaluable tool in early diagnosis and evaluation of tumors.
• Exposure to radiation is avoided.
• MR images allow the physician to clearly see even very small tears and injuries to tendons, ligaments and muscles and some fractures that cannot be seen on x-rays.

MRI of the Musculoskeletal System - Indications, Common Uses, & Positive Findings

• Because MRI can give such clear pictures of soft tissue structures near and around bones, it is usually the best choice for examination of the body's major joints, the spine for disk disease and soft tissues of the extremities.
• MRI is widely used to diagnose sports-related injuries, as well as work-related disorders caused by repeated strain, vibration or forceful impact.
• Using MRI images, physicians can locate and identify the cause of pain, swelling or bleeding in the tissues in and around the joints and bones.
• The images allow the physician to clearly see even very small tears and injuries to tendons, ligaments and muscles and even some fractures that cannot be seen on x-rays.
• In addition, MRI images can give physicians a clear picture of degenerative disorders such as arthritis, deterioration of joint surfaces, or a herniated disk. Neurosurgeons often use MRI to evaluate the integrity of the spinal cord after trauma.
• Finally, MRI is also useful for the diagnosis and characterization of infections (osteomyelitis for example) and tumors (metastases for example) involving bones and joints.

MRI of the Musculoskeletal System - Images

Musculoskeletal System MRI - References, Links, and Additional Information

Schedule Your Musculoskeletal System 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. 

• If you are in search of other things, we're surprisingly resourceful!  Call us 1-800-626-8315 or contact us via our contact form.