Joint MRI

When you have symptoms of arthritis or injuries affecting your joints, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) provides your doctor with the knowledge they need to optimize your treatment. Burbank Imaging and Open MRI in Burbank, California, uses state-of-the-art Hitachi Airis II™ Open MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technology to produce highly detailed joint MRI images. The practice’s board-certified radiologists evaluate the results and send a comprehensive report to your doctor within 24 hours. For rapid access to cutting-edge MRI diagnostics, call Burbank Imaging and Open MRI today or book an appointment online.

What is a joint MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that produces detailed pictures of the organs and structures within your body using a large magnet and radiofrequency energy.  

A joint MRI examines the bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments that make up your joints. It detects injuries, abnormalities, and diseases such as arthritis that affect the joints.

Your doctor or surgeon might also use an MRI to assess the outcomes of orthopedic procedures like tendon repair or ligament reconstruction.

Why would I need a joint MRI?

Your doctor might recommend a joint MRI if they need to see the inside of your joints in more detail. Conditions that a joint MRI can diagnose or evaluate include:

• Swelling or bleeding of joint tissue
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia pain
• Tendonitis
• Lyme disease
• Dislocated joints
• Knee joint fluid build-up
• Gout
• A torn meniscus in the knee
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Rotator cuff tears
• Bursitis
• Articular cartilage injuries
• Labral tears in the hip or shoulder

An MRI is also excellent for assessing sprains and tears to the knee ligaments (the anterior cruciate (ACL), medial collateral (MCL), lateral collateral (LCL), and posterior cruciate (PCL) ligaments), which are common sports injuries.

How does a joint MRI work?

The MRI is a large, tube-shaped machine that generates a strong magnetic field around you when you’re inside the tube. A scanner sends radio wave pulses that affect atoms in your body. As the affected atoms respond, they send out radio signals that the MRI’s computer analyses.

The computer software converts the signals from your atoms into two-dimensional (2D) images of that area of your body. The images appear on a viewing monitor for evaluation.

Sometimes joint MRIs require an injection of contrast dye into a vein, or the technician might give you a contrast material to swallow. The contrast gives Burbank Imaging and Open MRI ’s radiologists an even better view of your internal tissues and blood vessels.

Is a joint MRI safe?

MRI is a very safe technology. It doesn’t use ionizing radiation like X-rays and CT (computed tomography) scans. It’s noninvasive, and unless you need a contrast dye injection, uses no needles or drugs.

One of the main problems people have with MRI is a fear of being inside the traditional tube-shaped machine, which can be claustrophobic. If this aspect of having an MRI concerns you, Burbank Imaging and Open MRI has the solution. The practice uses advanced open MRI machines that give you far more space and stop you from feeling so enclosed.

To find out more about having a joint MRI at Burbank Imaging and Open MRI , call the office or book an appointment online today.