MRI

Created in Medical Care, Diagnostic Procedures

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sophisticated diagnostic equipment used to diagnose an array of health problems or conditions, including:

Arthritis.
Fractures.
Infections.
Injuries of the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage.
Tumors.

MRIs use no radiation like conventional X-rays or CT scans. They employ large magnet and radio waves to produce three-dimensional images. MRIs are very good at portraying soft tissues and bones in your feet and ankles.

People with the following conditions may not be good candidates for a MRI:

Conditions that requires a heart pacemaker.
Artificial heart valves.
Electronic inner ear implants.
Electronic stimulators.
Implanted pumps.
Metal fragments in eyes.
Surgical clips in the head (particularly aneurysm clips).

Individuals with dental fillings or bridges, a replacement hip or knee, or tubal ligation clips are generally safe to have a MRI.

In most cases, a full exam of the foot and ankle via MRI lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.