Joint MRI

Joint pain, stiffness of movement, or discomfort during exertion are common symptoms that may occur both after physical overexertion and against the background of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system. In such situations, to determine the exact cause, magnetic resonance imaging of the joints may be prescribed — a modern diagnostic method that allows a detailed assessment of the condition of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and surrounding tissues without radiation exposure.

At the medical center “Oxford Medical”, the examination is performed on an expert-class GE SIGNA Champion tomograph. The system is equipped with AI Recon DL artificial intelligence technologies, which increase image clarity, reduce noise levels, and ensure consistently high scanning quality. This makes it possible to obtain maximally informative results even in complex clinical cases.

If you need to get an MRI of the joints, schedule an examination at a convenient time for you by phone or request a callback on the website.

Standardly, MRI diagnostics of the joints is performed without contrast enhancement. At the same time, in some cases, an examination with contrast may be recommended — for example, to clarify the nature of neoplasms, assess the activity of the inflammatory process, or analyze postoperative changes. The contrast agent accumulates in areas with increased blood supply, which allows pathological changes to be visualized more clearly.

MRI makes it possible to obtain detailed layered images of the joint and surrounding tissues, which allows assessing both bone structures and soft tissues. This is one of the most informative methods when it is necessary to determine the cause of pain, limited mobility, or other symptoms.

The examination makes it possible to assess:

• the condition of the articular cartilage — its thickness, uniformity, and the presence of damage;

• the integrity of ligaments and tendons — to detect sprains, partial or complete tears;

• the menisci (in the knee joint) — their structure, shape, and possible injuries;

• the presence of fluid in the joint — a sign of inflammation or traumatic changes;

• the condition of the joint capsule and surrounding soft tissues;

• bone structures — in particular bone marrow edema or microdamage;

• signs of inflammatory processes in the joint area;

• neoplasms and other pathological changes.

Unlike radiography, which mainly displays bone structures, MRI makes it possible to see changes in soft tissues, which are often the cause of pain and impairment of joint function.

Due to the high accuracy of the examination, MRI makes it possible to diagnose a wide range of diseases and pathological conditions, in particular:

• arthrosis (degenerative changes in the articular cartilage);

• arthritis of various origins;

• bursitis and synovitis;

• ligament and tendon injuries;

• meniscal tears;

• the consequences of injuries and overloading;

• aseptic necrosis;

• neoplasms of the joints and surrounding tissues.

Due to the high detail of the images, the doctor can not only detect the pathology, but also assess the degree of its development and its impact on the surrounding structures. This helps establish an accurate diagnosis and choose the optimal treatment.

MRI is often prescribed in situations where the results of other examinations, in particular joint ultrasound, are not sufficiently informative or require clarification. Due to its high accuracy, the method allows obtaining detailed information about the condition of the tissues and determining the further treatment strategy.

MRI is a safe examination method, however, a powerful magnetic field is used during the procedure. Therefore, before the examination, it is important to inform the doctor about the presence of implants, metal structures, or previous surgeries.

The examination is not performed in the following cases:

• an installed pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator;

• cochlear implants;

• metal implants or foreign metal fragments incompatible with the magnetic field;

• metal structures located near vital organs (for example, the brain or the heart).

In some situations, the possibility of performing MRI is determined individually. This concerns:

• the first trimester of pregnancy;

• a pronounced fear of enclosed spaces;

• conditions in which it is difficult to remain motionless during the examination;

• the presence of implants, the compatibility of which requires clarification.

If an examination with contrast is planned, kidney function is additionally assessed and it is clarified whether there have previously been allergic reactions to contrast agents. In case of impaired kidney function or allergy, the administration of contrast may be limited.

In most cases, special preparation for MRI is not required.

Before the procedure, it is recommended:

• to choose comfortable clothing without metal elements (zippers, buttons, decorative inserts);
• to remove jewelry, watches, glasses and other accessories with metal parts;
• to inform the doctor about the presence of implants, prostheses or metal structures in the body;
• to inform about previous surgeries or installed medical devices.

If MRI of the joints with contrast is planned, there may be additional recommendations:

• to refrain from food for 4–6 hours before the examination;
• as prescribed by a doctor, to take a blood test for creatinine to assess kidney function;
• to inform the doctor if allergic reactions to medications occurred previously.

Following these simple recommendations helps to conduct the examination safely and obtain high-quality, informative results.

Before the examination begins, the patient is positioned on a special tomograph table. The examination area is fixed with the help of soft rollers or special devices to ensure immobility during scanning. This is necessary to obtain clear and accurate images.

After preparation, the table smoothly moves inside the apparatus, and scanning begins. The examination is carried out step by step: the tomograph creates a series of layered images, allowing a detailed assessment of the structures of the joint and the surrounding tissues.

The procedure is painless. During the operation of the apparatus, characteristic rhythmic sounds may be heard — this is a normal part of the process. It is important to remain still throughout the entire examination, since movements may affect the quality of the images.

If MRI with contrast enhancement is performed, standard scanning is first carried out, after which a contrast agent is injected intravenously and the examination is continued. This makes it possible to assess the nature of the changes and their extent more accurately.

The duration of the procedure depends on the scope of the examination and usually is 15–30 minutes. When contrast is used, the examination may last up to 30–40 minutes.

After the examination is completed, the obtained images are analyzed by a radiologist, and a written report is prepared for further consultation with a doctor.

Prices for MRI of the joints depend on which joint is being examined, whether the examination of one or several joints is performed, as well as whether it is necessary to use a contrast agent.

In particular, examination of one joint usually has a lower cost than комплексная диагностика or MRI with contrast enhancement, since such examinations require a larger volume of scanning and analysis of images.

You can предварительно find out the prices for MRI of the joints here. To make an appointment for the examination, call our contact center or leave a request for a callback at a time convenient for you.