Helms musculoskeletal MRI: what to know

MRI can help clinicians assess soft tissues that may be difficult to see on plain X-rays, such as a rotator cuff, knee ligament, disc or cartilage. The scanner is a short tunnel, and the examination includes loud knocking sounds while you remain still. Some scans use contrast medicine, but this depends on the clinical question. An MRI finding must be interpreted alongside your symptoms and examination; an image alone does not decide whether treatment is needed.

Tell the imaging team about metal fragments, implanted devices, previous operations, kidney problems, allergies, pregnancy or difficulty staying in an enclosed space. Remove jewellery, cards and other metal items as instructed. Wear clothing without metal fasteners when possible. During the scan, use the call button if you feel distressed. Your report may help guide discussion of options such as ACL reconstruction, knee arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair or microdiscectomy, when those procedures fit the diagnosis.

Contact the referring clinician if pain, weakness or loss of function is worsening while you wait for imaging. Seek urgent care after a serious injury with a deformed limb, loss of circulation, new severe weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

What area will the MRI examine, and what question is it intended to answer? Will contrast be needed? How will the result change my treatment options?