FAQs About MRIs

Patients have been experiencing the benefits of MRIs for nearly four decades. To help you better understand how MRI scans work and assist orthopaedists with your treatment, continue reading the following frequently asked questions about MRIs.

What is an MRI?
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is used to view internal body structures for diseases or injuries that may otherwise go undetected. An MRI is one of the best tools an orthopaedist can use to diagnose damaged or diseased joints in a patient.

How does an MRI differ from a CT scan?
MRI and CT (CAT) scans can be used to detect some of the same injuries and diseases. An MRI scan is preferred by orthopaedists to assess tendon and ligament injuries, joint cartilage degeneration, and stress fractures. CT scans are commonly used for evaluating bone problems like arthritis or fractures.

How does an MRI work?
An MRI is a large, noninvasive device that uses magnetic properties to create nondestructive, three-dimensional images of the body’s soft tissues such as the head, spine, and joints.

Patients will remove all metal objects from their body and lie on a table that will slide into the MRI scanner. A typical MRI exam will last 15 to 30 minutes.

Is an MRI safe?
Yes. Unlike a CT scan, an MRI scan involves non-ionizing radio frequency signals to obtain images while a CT scan uses X-ray imaging. X-rays expose patients to radiation that can be harmful, although rare.

Sierra Pacific Orthopaedic & Spine Center uses MRI scans to assess and treat orthopaedic-related injuries. For more information call (877) 666-6080.