An MRI is an imaging procedure in which a magnetic field and radiofrequency energy combine to produce highly accurate 3D images of your soft tissues. MRI is completely harmless and doesn't use radiation.
At West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C., the accredited team uses the cutting-edge 1.5 Tesla Philips MRI Unit to assess the tissues that X-ray doesn't show. Often, MRI technology is a key part of diagnostics if you have a disease, deformity, or injury.
The West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C. team often uses an MRI if they suspect musculoskeletal damage within soft tissues, including:
An MRI can show cartilage erosion from osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, tumors, meniscal tears in the knee, and many other issues in great detail so your doctor can make the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
You can continue eating normally, and you don’t need to adjust your medication before an MRI.
Because the MRI machine contains a very strong magnet, any metals move toward it. That means that if you have a pacemaker, cochlear implant, cerebral aneurysm clip, some types of heart valves, or metal slivers in your eye, you can’t have an MRI.
Your safety is important to the West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C. team, so your technician screens you carefully before the MRI exam to make sure you don’t have any internal metal.
Wear loose clothes without metal (no zippers, metal buttons, or underwire bras) and don’t wear any jewelry. Avoid nail polish, as some polishes have tiny metallic particles.
A highly trained technician conducts your MRI on-site at West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C. To start, your technician asks you to lie down on the table. They make any necessary adjustments to your position before the MRI starts.
During the MRI, the table moves slowly into the tunnel. Your technician communicates with you the entire time through built-in speakers.
The machine makes a slight noise as it takes images, but it's not intrusive. Stay as still as you can during the MRI, as shifting around can blur the images. The scan takes only 15-30 minutes and is completely painless.
After the exam, the table moves back out of the tube, and your technician helps you down from the table.
The West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, P.C. team makes MRIs comfortable and easy. Call the office nearest you or book your appointment online now.