Magnetic Resonance Imaging/MRI

MRI is a method of taking pictures of the inside of the body. Instead of using x-rays, MRI uses a powerful magnet and transmits radio waves through the body; the images appear on a computer screen. The procedure is physically painless.

MRI allows the radiologist to look through a patients bone and view the tissue around the bone with much more clarity. An MRI creates a safe, strong magnetic field, which is used to prepare the body to emit radio signals. Abnormal cells produce different signals from normal cells. These abnormal cell signals can be identified when the final images are viewed.

Computed Tomography (CT) images both bone and soft tissue together, while MRI allows the radiologist to view the tissue around the bone with much more clarity.

Although an MRI is a very complex procedure, it is simple and painless for the patient. Most exams will take less then an hour and the patient can leave immediately following the exam.

Since MRI uses a very strong magnetic field to take pictures of the body, it is very important to not wear any metal during the exam.

Patients who have a pacemaker, inner ear implants, blood vessel surgical clips in the brain, or some metal implants cannot have an MRI.

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