Musculoskeletal MRI Overview
MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the imaging method of choice in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the muscle, joints and bone.
Injuries to the soft tissue, joints, and bones can be difficult to diagnose, even with a thorough physical examination by an expert. MRI provides physicians with the highly detailed images they need to accurately pinpoint and treat even the smallest soft-tissue injuries, including injuries to the muscle, ligament and meniscal tears, and problems with the cartilage and bone.
In many cases, MRI is a good, cost-effective alternative to surgery in the examination of injuries like rotator cuff tendonitis and bone bruises. With MRI, patients with these conditions may avoid surgery and get the care they need faster.
MRI’s ability to detect subtle bone marrow edema and problems with soft tissues also makes it the preferred imaging method in the diagnosis of many bone and soft tissue tumors, infection, and avascular necrosis, a disease in which bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply.
Patient Testimonials
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.”
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.”
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Musculoskeletal MRI can diagnose a wide range of conditions including ligament and meniscal tears, rotator cuff injuries, cartilage damage, muscle injuries, bone bruises, stress fractures, bone and soft tissue tumors, infections, and avascular necrosis. It’s particularly useful for detecting injuries that may not show up on X-rays.
While X-rays are excellent for viewing bones, MRI provides much more detailed images of soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bone marrow. If your doctor suspects a soft tissue injury, ligament tear, or subtle bone problem, MRI is the preferred imaging method for accurate diagnosis.
In many cases, yes. MRI can provide such detailed information about your injury that your doctor may be able to recommend effective non-surgical treatments. For conditions like rotator cuff tendonitis or bone bruises, MRI helps determine if conservative treatment is appropriate, potentially helping you avoid unnecessary surgery.
Musculoskeletal MRI can image virtually any joint or body part, including shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles, feet, spine, and the soft tissues throughout your body.
The exam typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on which body part is being scanned and whether contrast is needed. Your specific exam time will be confirmed when you schedule.