MRI

Diagnostic Services | MRI
Sports Medicine

MRI is perhaps the most useful diagnostic imaging tool to define the extent of sports injuries. It cannot only visualize the bones, but also all the ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues surrounding a joint. MRI is highly sensitive in detecting injury to these structures, which may not be seen with any other imaging. Furthermore, MRI is excellent in evaluating for infection and tumor in the bones and soft tissues.

The MR Arthrogram, is a special application of MRI in the setting of musculoskeletal injury. Non-iodine contrast is first injected into the anesthesized joint and the area is then scanned with MRI. The bright contrast material filling the joint delineates many important structures that would ordinarily be difficult to see. Small bony fragments or "loose bodies" are very easily appreciated within a joint with this technique.