MRI of the Arms, Legs, and Joints - About the Exam
Mountain Medical offers MR imaging for the body’s extremities, including the arms, legs, and even the joints. A MR scan of those areas gives clear views of these parts of the body to help diagnose or evaluate degenerative joint disorders such as arthritis and labral tears, joint abnormalities, due to trauma, sports related injuries and work-related disorders caused by repeated strain, infections, tumors, pain and swelling, and decreases motion.
What you can expect during a MRI:
- Prior to your MR imaging scan, you will be positioned on the moveable examination table. Straps and bolsters may be used to help you stay still and maintain the correct position during imaging.
- Devices that contain coils capable of sending and receiving radio waves may be placed around or adjacent to the area of the body being studied.
- If a contrast material will be used in the MRI exam, an intravenous (IV) catheter, also known as an IV line will be inserted into a vein in your hand or arm.
- You will be moved into the magnet of the MRI unit and the radiologist and technologist will leave the room while the MRI examination is performed.
- When the examination is completed, you may be asked to wait until the technologist or radiologist checks the images in case additional images are needed.
- Your intravenous line will be removed.
- MRI exams generally include multiple runs (sequences), some of which may last several minutes.
- The entire examination is usually completed within 30 to 45 minutes.
Learn how to prepare for a MRI.
Learn the benefits and risks of MRI.
Watch the MRI - What to Expect Video.
