MRI Patient Information

Although MRI is a very advanced medical technique, the MRI exam is probably one of the easiest and most comfortable exams you will experience. You will lie down on a cushioned table and a device called a "coil" will be placed over or under you. When you are comfortably positioned, the table will move through the magnet. The technologist will then step into the control area, while staying in constant contact with you both visually and through an intercom.

As the exam proceeds, you will hear a muffled thumping sound for several minutes at a time. Relax and lie as still as possible. Any movement during this time will blur the picture. Other than sound, MRI creates no bodily sensation. The exam usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. It consists of several image exposures lasting 3 to 6 minutes each. These images help make the best diagnosis possible and may even eliminate the need for biopsy or surgery.

For your safety

The MRI exam poses no risk to the average patient if appropriate safety guidelines are followed. Please inform your doctor or technologist if you have:

• Cardiac pacemaker

• An artificial heart valve

• Metal plate, pin, or other metallic implant

• Intrauterine device, such as Copper-7 IUD

• Aneurysm clips

• Previous gunshot wound

• Ever been a metal worker

• Permanent (tattoo) eyeliner

• Pregnancy

How does an MRI work?

The human body is made up of millions of magnetic atoms. When placed in a magnetic field, these atoms line up with the field, much like a compass points to the North Pole. Radio waves, tuned to a specific frequency, tip these tiny magnets away from the magnetic field. As they tip, they gain energy. When the radio waves are turned off, the atoms try to realign with the magnetic field, releasing the energy they gained as very weak radio signals. A powerful antenna picks up these signals and sends them to a computer, which performs millions of calculations to produce a black and white image for diagnosis.

What is an MRI arthrogram?

An MRI arthrogram is a diagnostic evaluation of a specific joint and the space surrounding it. It is performed by inserting a needle into the joint compartment. A local anesthetic will be injected to numb the area, which will lessen the discomfort. Once the needle is placed in the correct location, the contrast (dyes) will be injected. The needle is then removed and the MRI will be performed. The whole procedure could take up to an hour.

There may be some restrictions depending on the joint examined. You should be able to resume normal activity by the next day. With any procedure, there is a risk of complication. Most of these are minor and include drug allergies, joint discomfort, bruising, bleeding or infection. If you would like more detailed information, please call 260-484-8551 X 2553 or 1-800-589-8551 x2553.