Musculoskeletal MRI is used in the extremities for a variety of conditions depending on the underlying problem. It is often used as a problem solving tool to evaluate the supporting structures of a joint, as well as its internal structures. Some of these structures are seen in better detail on MRI compared to other imaging modalities.
Your physician may order an MRI to evaluate these structures after a traumatic or sports injury or occasionally for more chronic problems. Although we list some of the more common indications for imaging at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, your MRI may be tailored to meet the needs of both you and your doctor. In general, no special preparation is required prior to the musculoskeletal MRI.
MRI of the Shoulder
MRI of the shoulder is performed to:
- Assess rotator cuff and muscle tears
- Assess cartilage and labrum
- Assess the acromioclavicular joint
MRI of the Elbow
MRI of the elbow is performed to:
- Evaluate tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Assess biceps and triceps tendons
- Assess medial and lateral elbow ligaments
MRI of the Knee
MRI of the knee is performed to:
- Assess cartilage lining the joint
- evaluate anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments
- Assess medial and lateral collateral ligaments
- Assess quadriceps and patellar tendons
- Assess medial and lateral menisci
MRI of the Wrist and Hand
MRI of the wrist and hand is performed to:
- Assess for subtle fractures in hand and wrist bones
- Evaluated the triangular fibrocartilage complex
- Assess flexor and extensor tendons
- Assess wrist ligaments
- Assess carpal tunnel and its contents
MRI of the Pelvis and Hip
MRI of the pelvis and hip is performed to:
- Assess for stress fracture from repetitive use or subtle fracture after trauma
- Assess for bone infarction (avascular necrosis)
- Assess the hip labrum
- Assess muscles and tendons
MRI of the Ankle and Foot
MRI of the ankle and foot is performed to:
- Assess for fracture from trauma or due to repetitive use (stress fracture in runners)
- Assess tendons and ligments
- Assess for deep infection (often seen in people with diabetes)
MRI of infection
- MRI is done to evaluate infections involving joints, bones and the surrounding soft tissues
- This is often performed with intravenous contrast to help enhance areas of infection and find fluid collections
Oncology MRI
- MRI is done to evaluate a wide variety of tumors that affect the bones, muscles or soft tissue, both benign and malignant
- This is often performed with intravenous contrast to help further delineate the sites of involvement affected by a tumor
MR Arthrogram
MR arthrogram of a particular joint (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee or ankle) is a special procedure which involves injecting the joint with contrast just before the MRI. This allows a very detailed evaluation of the internal structures of the joint, more than can be obtained with a conventional MRI without an arthrogram.
Radiologyinfo.org for Patients
The radiology information resource for patients. RadiologyInfo.org tells you how various X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, radiation therapy and other procedures are performed. It also addresses what you may experience and how to prepare for the exams. The website contains over 200 procedure, exam and disease descriptions covering diagnostic and interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy and radiation safety and is updated frequently with new information. All material on the RadiologyInfo.org website is reviewed and approved by experts in the field of radiology from the ACR and RSNA, as well as other professional radiology organizations.