What Is a Musculoskeletal MRI Done With?

The body part being examined is positioned inside or near the MRI scanner. The magnetic field and radio waves produce signals from tissues, which a computer turns into images. MRI can show tendons, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, discs, nerves, bone marrow, and fluid around a joint. A 3T MRI scanner uses a high-strength magnetic field and may provide detailed images when the examination and body part are suitable.

MRI does not use ionising radiation, but the scanner is noisy and the examination requires you to keep still. Some people receive contrast through a vein when the clinical question calls for extra tissue detail.

Tell the MRI team about metal fragments, implants, a pacemaker, hearing devices, medication pumps, pregnancy, kidney disease, or claustrophobia before entering the scanner area. Remove metal objects and follow instructions about food, drink, and medicines. During the scan, you can usually communicate with the technologist, and ear protection is provided. Movement can blur the pictures, so comfortable positioning helps.

Seek urgent assessment for sudden loss of strength, new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or a limb that becomes cold and pale. After contrast, get urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, faintness, or a rapidly spreading rash. These symptoms need attention regardless of when the scan was scheduled.

Ask whether contrast is needed, whether your implants are MRI-compatible, how long you must remain still, what alternatives exist if you feel claustrophobic, and which finding would change your treatment.