EPSOM ALLIANCE MRI

MRI clearly shows the soft tissue structures in any joint, for example, tendons, cartilage, bone, synovial fluid and surrounding muscle and damage to any of these structures can be demonstrated. Shoulders, wrists, hips, knees and ankles are often imaged using MRI. If you're having a hip or shoulder scan you'll normally be asked to lie fairly flat. Wrist and elbow scan positions vary - you may be asked to lie face downwards or on your side. MRI means ‘magnetic resonance imaging’. It's an imaging technique using a strong magnetic field to produce high-quality pictures of soft tissue inside your body, for example muscles and ligaments.

We may ask you to change or take some of your clothes off. In this instance, we may ask you to put on a hospital gown and you should put your clothes and personal belongings in the container we provide, which we'll keep safe for you. You'll be asked to lie down on the MRI bed and we'll make sure you're as comfortable as possible. The radiographer will move you into the middle of the scanner. You'll be asked to stay as still as possible and you'll be given either ear defenders or ear plugs to wear because of the scanner noise.

The examination is made up of a series of three- to five-minute scans (depending on which part of you is being examined). There's a short pause between each scan. The radiographer operating the scanner will help you through the procedure and will talk to you between each scan. If you have difficulty during a scan you'll be able to use an emergency call bell in case you need any help.