Lower Extremity MRI - Hip, Leg, Knee, Ankle, Foot, Toe

Test Procedure

The technologist will ask you to lie in a certain position for the examination, and will be using a coil around the area of interest. This is what will create the images needed by the radiologists to provide you with an excellent examination. Sometimes the technologist will ask you to lie in a position that is uncomfortable for you. If you are unable to lie in the position requested then simply let the technologist know before starting the examination. The technologist may be able to make adjustments to still be able to perform the examination properly.

For most of the lower extremity studies, we will not be using contrast (dye). If contrast is used, the contrast in MRI is very different than other parts of Radiology. The MRI contrast does not contain Iodine, which is what a lot of patients are allergic to with CT or IVP contrast. However, if you do feel anything during the injection, please inform the technologist immediately. Even though it is safer, it does not mean you may not be allergic to this type of contrast. If contrast is needed, the technologist will use a "butterfly" needle. There is no need to start an Intravenous line (IV). This is the only way to best look at certain pathology such as tumors and infections. Contrast is not commonly used in lower extremity MRI, however if used, it may lead to a more complete examination. The technologist will inform you prior to beginning the study if you will be getting contrast. The determination for the use of the contrast is by the radiologist.  Your physician may not have informed you because of this reason.

At times the MRI is in conjunction with an Arthrogram. This allows the MRI study to better visualize certain areas in the joint space. Your physician will schedule for this ahead of time, and you will know prior to arriving at the hospital if this will be performed.

Once you are ready for the examination the study will take approximately 30 minutes, from beginning to end, unless we have to repeat images. You will be asked to hold perfectly still during the examination. The MRI is very sensitive to motion, and with the high quality images we will be performing we want to guarantee the best examination as possible for you.

You will be covered with a blanket if you desire one, and be given the opportunity to listen to music. The technologist will be talking to you during the examination, and they are able to hear you as well.

All patients will go in the machine feet first. Keep in mind, the area of concern has to be within the center of the magnet. The technologist will be placing you where you need to be to perform the study, unfortunately at times this means your head is in the machine. If you are claustrophobic and/or very nervous, contact your physician to see if they would like to give you some medication to make the test more pleasant. A family member is able to join you in the MRI suite, just as long as they also pass our medical screening.

We strongly recommend that you keep your eyes closed and try to relax. The MRI will make various noises that are considered normal; it is the technologist acquiring the images needed for your study. The technologist has no control over the volume and/or noise; therefore we will provide you with earplugs to minimize the noise.

Test Results

The radiologist will review your images later, and your physician will provide you with the results. This may take up to three days. However, if it is considered an emergency, there are ways for physicians to get results more quickly.