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Fractures and fractures of bones as well as bruises and twists of joints, even when healed, always leave a mark at the site of injury. Unfortunately, their assessment is only possible when we are able to look deep into the human body. This is what MRI of the limbs and joints is for – it allows you to visualize all the tissues within them. What does it look like and in what other situations is MRI of limbs and joints ordered?
What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
Magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MR, MRI, or MRI, is a study that uses the action of the magnetic field and radio waves. What does this mean in practice? We all know that our body is mostly water. Hydrogen protons, i.e. components of one of the components of the water molecule, placed in the magnetic field, i.e. in the MR apparatus, begin to react strongly to it.
Not only do they change their positions by acting like a magnet and positioning themselves parallel to the magnetic field, but they also start to move and send specific, short signals. These signals are picked up by the detectors located in the device and converted into an image displayed on the computer screen showing the condition of the tissues in the patient’s body.
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Indications for MRI of limbs and joints
Avg. Customer Review healing of bones and joints after injuries is the main indication for an MRI. The test is also used in cases of:
- suspected bone fracture or joint damage to assess the severity of the injury;
- assessment of abnormalities in the development of joints;
- assessment of the extent of degenerative changes in joints;
- assessment of the extent of neoplastic changes in bones and joints or metastases from neoplasms of other organs.
It is worth knowing that in the case of magnetic resonance imaging of bones and joints, before the examination, the patient is often given contrast, i.e. a special substance that allows for better and more accurate imaging of hard-to-reach, small places. Providing contrast is completely safe.
Contraindications for MRI of limbs and joints
The magnetic field generated by the MRI machine on which the MRI is based is the reason why the examination may not be performed in every patient. It is an absolute contraindication having a pacemaker, insulin pumps, neurostimulators, implanted hearing aids, metal endoprostheses and clips on vessels.
Performing the test on patients who have metal foreign bodies in the body can lead to serious injury, foreign body displacement to other parts of the body, burns of internal organs, and in extreme cases even death.
Magnetic resonance imaging of limbs and joints – price
What is the course of MRI of limbs and joints?
You do not need to prepare yourself to perform an MRI. However, it should be remembered that due to the likelihood of being given a contrast, we should refrain from eating and drinking that day by fasting. Since the examination will not require taking the clothes off, it is worth going for them in a comfortable, airy and non-difficult outfit.
When preparing for the test, do not put any makeup or hairspray on your face. Some cosmetics contain metal particles in their composition, which may make the examination difficult and falsify its actual reading.
Before the examination, we will be asked to remove all jewelry on the body. We have to empty the pockets of the mobile phone, payment cards and keys into a special container. The next step is to lie down comfortably on a special table that enters the MR apparatus.
It must be remembered that the examination may take up to several dozen minutes, during which we cannot move or change position. If you suffer from claustrophobia, be sure to tell the person performing the test – you may find that you will be given a sedative that will allow you to carry out the test safely and comfortably. Since during the examination lasting almost an hour, the device emits uniform, irritating sounds, we can obtain earplugs that will improve its comfort.
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