Contents
Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow is performed using a special open tomograph. This device, using a magnetic field, creates and displays the internal structure of the joint – muscles, ligaments and cartilage. This study allows you to identify the disease in time and avoid surgical intervention or reduce its volume.
Magnetic resonance scanning is a more informative diagnostic method than x-rays and computed tomography. It should be noted that this study is not harmful and does not harm human health.
There are some requirements for the equipment and the level of professionalism of a specialist conducting such diagnostics. This is due to the fact that the anatomy of the elbow and its joint is quite complex. The elbow joint is made up of three bones, several ligaments, and a group of muscle tendons.
Advantages
The advantage of this method is the possibility of examining bone tissues, muscles, cartilage, tendons, blood vessels. This diagnosis allows you to visualize different types of tumors much better than other methods. In addition, it is possible to obtain a detailed image of the pathological focus and the degree of its spread as accurately as possible. It is worth noting that this procedure does not have a negative effect on the human body, so it can be carried out an unlimited number of times. Also, MRI of the elbow joint does not require special preparation, does not take much time and does not require rehabilitation.
Indications and contraindications
Most often, an MRI of the elbow joint is prescribed by the attending physician as an independent type of diagnosis. However, sometimes magnetic resonance imaging may be included in the diagnostic package.
Indications for this procedure are formations of unknown origin in the area of the elbow joint. It is also used to make a more accurate diagnosis. In addition, the attending physician may prescribe this examination for fractures and hand injuries. Another indication for the procedure is pain in the elbows, inflammation, limitation of movement in the joint. If the patient feels pain in the elbow or wrist for a long time, then an MRI study can help identify the cause.
You can not do magnetic resonance imaging for people who have metal parts in their bodies: a pin, an implant, a prosthesis, a pacemaker, a hearing aid. It is extremely difficult to carry out diagnostics for those people who have hyperkinesis.
It is not recommended to choose this procedure for those who suffer from claustrophobia, that is, they are afraid of enclosed spaces. This type of diagnosis is contraindicated for pregnant women in the 1st trimester. There are also some nuances when using a contrast agent in the study. A contraindication for the use of contrast is severe renal and heart failure, a history of severe allergic reactions, a broncho-obstructive component.
It is worth noting that if the elbow joint is scanned in a closed-type tomograph, patients weighing more than 120 kg will not be able to undergo this examination.
What can an MRI of the elbow reveal?
An MRI of the elbow can detect a variety of conditions, including bursitis, abscess, bone fractures and fissures, tissue infections, and cysts. In addition, the procedure may reveal ulnar nerve injury, arthrosis, arthritis, osteonecrosis, epicondylitis, and synovitis.
Preparing for the procedure
Before starting the procedure, the patient must change into disposable medical clothing or simply free his hand. Nutrition does not matter, no diet is necessary before the procedure. An exception is contrast magnetic resonance scanning. 5 hours before the introduction of a contrast agent, the patient is not recommended to eat and drink water. This will help prevent nausea. You should also do an allergy test in advance and make sure that the person is not allergic to the contrast agent.
The general complex of preparation for the procedure includes the following steps:
- First of all, the patient should inform the doctor about any chronic diseases, allergies and possible pregnancy.
- Next, you should remove all metal parts from yourself: jewelry, watches.
- If the patient has claustrophobia, the doctor should be informed. In such cases, the doctor may prescribe a sedative.
Procedure
MRI is performed in a special machine. This device can be open and closed type. The closed type is most often used, as it shows a more accurate result. An open-type tomograph has a magnetic element, which is presented in the form of a double flat plate. This plate is placed directly over the part of the body being examined, in this case, over the arm.
In a closed tomograph for scanning, the patient must be placed on a special mobile table. The doctor must fix the arms, legs and head of the patient with belts and rollers. If there is such a need, then the patient is injected with a contrast agent. After that, the table moves into the tomograph tunnel. During the operation of the device, the patient will hear a low noise of the device. It is worth noting that the doctor during the procedure should be in the next room and observe the patient. You can contact him using the microphone, which is located in the camera. Images from the tomograph are transmitted to the monitor screen, the doctor must monitor the progress of the procedure and, if necessary, give instructions to the patient. In this case, the patient does not feel any discomfort and pain. The only thing that can cause mild nausea and dizziness is the contrast agent. The duration of the procedure is approximately 30 minutes. If a contrast agent is injected, the procedure can last up to one hour. After completing the examination, you should wait for the results and their interpretation.
What is a contrast agent?
Magnetic resonance imaging using a contrast agent is a more complex type of diagnosis. This increases not only the time of the procedure, but also its cost. The introduction of a contrast agent is necessary when there is a suspicion of the presence of neoplasms. This substance is administered intravenously and rarely causes side effects. Due to the contrast in the body, it becomes better to see all the vessels and lesions.