Magnetic resonance imaging is used to examine joints, both large (knee, shoulder, hip, ankle joint) and small (wrist, metacarpal and metatarsal joints, etc.).
The main indications to performmagnetic resonance imagingare post-traumatic changes. Thanks to it, you can, among others. assess the condition of the ligament apparatus and tendons, the meniscus in the knee joints or the presence of fluid in the cavityof the joint ; fractures, dislocations, swellingsbones ; neoplastic lesions and any other changes not visible on x-rays.
You cannot do this test if you have metal heart valves, implanted orthopedic plates, or other metal objects inside your body (e.g. clips on an aneurysm in your brain), or if you have you have a pacemaker. Claustrophobia is also a contraindication. In addition, the test is completely non-invasive, it does not use X-rays, but the magnetic field and radio waves are harmless to the body. Sometimes an intravenous contrast agent is required for a more complete evaluation.
Young children are given sedatives before the examination. Magnetic resonance imaging can also be performed under anesthesia, but only if the office is equipped with special equipment adapted to work in a magnetic field.
You must report to the examination on an empty stomach - you must not eat anything at least 6 hours earlier. You must not carry any metal objects with you as they may injure you or damage the camera. You are also not allowed to have a magnet, bank magnetic cards and a watch due to the possibility of demagnetization.
You do not have to undress for the examination. You lie down on the movable table, and then you are moved to the center of the camera - the so-called gantry. You must not move during the examination as this prevents the image from being read correctly. However, you have the opportunity to contact the people carrying out the test all the time. If you experience any discomfort (e.g. claustrophobia) or symptoms related to the administration of contrast, notify your doctor immediately. ). They are then picked up by the camera. Data in the form of images of anatomical structures are obtained on the computer screen.