Joint MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a reliable, painless way of identifying the cause of joint pain and dysfunction. LA MRI Center, Inc. in  Koreatown, Los Angeles, California, uses joint MRI to examine injured or diseased joints throughout the body. The results ensure you will  receive the most effective treatment for conditions like fractures, arthritis, sprains, and strains. Call LA MRI Center, Inc. to inquire about joint MRIs, or schedule a consultation online today.

What is a joint MRI?

An MRI diagnostic procedure uses large magnets and radiofrequency energy to produce detailed pictures of your internal organs and structures.  

Joint MRIs focus on the bones, cartilage, nerves, tendons, and ligaments inside your joints. They identify injuries, growth abnormalities and conditions like arthritis that can affect joints.

Your surgeon can also use a joint MRI to check the outcomes of orthopedic treatments like fracture repair and ligament reconstruction.

When should I have a joint MRI?

Your provider might recommend an MRI if you have symptoms like pain, visible abnormalities, swelling, stiffness and fluid build-up that  indicate an injury or disease affecting the joints. Conditions a joint MRI can detect include the following:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Bursitis
• Tendinitis
• Dislocations
• Torn meniscus cartilage in the knee
• Tendon ruptures
• Rotator cuff tears
• Articular cartilage injuries
• Hip or shoulder labral tears

Joint MRIs can also identify and grade common sports injuries like anterior cruciate (ACL), medial collateral (MCL), lateral collateral (LCL), and posterior cruciate (PCL) ligament strains.

How does a joint MRI work?

The MRI machine generates a powerful magnetic field around you as you lie on the treatment table. A scanner then emits radio waves that affect the atoms in your cells. The atoms respond and the MRI software analyzes the data.

It converts the information from your atoms into cross-sectional images of that part of your body. The images appear on a monitor to ensure they display the required information. 

Are joint MRIs safe?

MRI technology is very safe because it doesn’t require ionizing radiation like X-rays and computed tomography (CT or CAT scans). While radiation doses are low in modern X-ray and CT, there’s still a slight risk of harm; with a noninvasive MRI, there’s no risk. 

Patients sometimes  have  MRI claustrophobia — an intense fear of being inside a traditional tube-shaped machine., LA MRI Center, Inc.  uses Hitachi Airis II™ Open MRI technology, which doesn’t enclose you so MRI claustrophobia isn’t an issue.

Call LA MRI Center, Inc., or book an appointment online today to learn more about having a joint MRI.