PRP's Musculoskeletal MRI Service Information

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) produces images of organs and soft tissue throughout the body using magnetic fields and radio frequency waves. It occasionally requires an intravenous injection of contrast medium into a vein, to create clearer images.

Please advise us beforehand

  • If you have any metal implants of any kind, eg joint replacements.
  • If you have a pacemaker or neurostimulator implanted.
  • If you have worked with metal.
  • If you have renal impairment.
  • If you have significant claustrophobia.
  • If you are or may be pregnant.
  • If you have had any reaction to a contrast injection given for a previous MRI scan.

We will ask you to complete a questionnaire before the examination and sign a consent to the contrast injection if it is required for your examination.

Preparation

No preparation

What happens during the procedure

You may need to change into a gown. You can wear comfortable soft clothing without any metal zippers or clips. You then lie on a bed which slides through the opening in the scanner. It slides in until the part being examined is in the centre of the scanner. A planning scan is then done followed by up to six different scans to show different features of the part examined. Each of these scans will take 30 seconds to 5 minutes to acquire, depending on the exact sequence. If contrast is required it is given just before the last 2 or 3 scans.

You need to keep perfectly still during each of the individual scans, otherwise the images will be blurred and may not be readable.

You may have to hold your breath for up to 30 seconds if scans are being done of your chest or abdomen.

How long does it take?

20-60 minutes in total depending on the examination.

After your examination

There are no restrictions after having an MRI.

Your images and report

After your examination, the most pertinent images from your study will be available on the myPRP patient portal. A report, along with the images will be sent directly to your referring doctor. PRP will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.

Please bring any previous X-rays with you.

It is important that you return to your doctor with your examination results. Whether they are normal or abnormal, your doctor needs to know promptly so that a management plan can be formulated.

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