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MRI examination
MRI stands for magnetic resonance, as it is magnetic fields and radio waves that are used in this examination to provide images of bone structures and soft tissue. In contrast to X-rays and CT scans, MRI does not use harmful radiation.
Neck, lower back and pelvis are among the most common forms of MRI examination.
Common forms of MRI examination are as by x-ray; cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (thoracic spine), lumbar spine (lumbar spine), sacrum & coccyx (pelvis and coccyx), shoulder, elbow, wrist, hands, jaw, hip, knees, ankles and feet - but with MRI you can also take pictures of the head and brain. On an MRI, you can also clearly visualize bones, joints and muscles, as well as tendons.
MRI examinations - in this menu you will find specific examinations and image examples of various findings:
- MRI of the elbow
MRI of the ankle or ankles
- MRI of the pelvis
- MRI of the thoracic spine (MRI of the thoracic spine)
- MRI of the abdominal cavity
- MRI of coccyx (MRI coccyx)
MRI of limbs
MRI of the foot or feet
- MRI of the brain (MR cerebrum)
- MRI of the head (MR caput)
- MRI of hip
- MRI of the wrist
MRI of the jaw
- MRI of the knee or knees
- MRI of the neck (MR cervical columna)
- MRI of the back and neck (MR total column)
- MRI of sacrum
VIDEO - Example: MRI Cervical Columna (MRI of the neck with disc disease in C6 / 7 right side):
MR description:
«Height-reduced disc C6 / 7 focal disc bulge to the right which results in slightly narrow conditions in neurophoramines and potential nerve root affection. Minimal disc bends also from C3 up to and including 6, but no affection of nerve roots. Plenty of space in the spinal canal. No myelopathy. " We note that this is a disc disorder affecting the right C6 / 7 nerve root - that is, it is the C7 nerve root they suspect is affected, but without major prolapse findings.
- Also read: What exactly is neck prolapse?
Advantages and disadvantages of MRI examination
Advantages:
Very good for visualizing bone structures and soft tissue. Also used to visualize intervertebral discs in the back and neck. No X-rays.
Disadvantages:
Kan not used if you have metal in the body, hearing aid or pacemakers, as magnetism can stop the latter or pull on the metal in the body. Stories have it that due to the use of lead in old, old tattoos, this lead was pulled out of the tattoo and against the large magnet in an MRI machine - this must have been unbearably painful, and not least devastating for MRI machine.
- Private MRI is very expensive
Another disadvantage is the price of an MRI examination - one chiropractor, manual therapist or GP can all refer to imaging, and will also do a thorough examination to see if it is necessary. With such a public referral, you pay only a minimal deductible. The price for publicly referred MR can be between 200 - 400 kroner. For comparison lies one private MR of between 3000 - 5000 kroner.
Example - MRI image of the cervical spine (neck - normal condition):
MR image of neck - Wikimedia Commons
Questions:
What is the MR total column (total column)?
An MRI total columna involves an MRI examination that visualizes the entire back and neck column (hence total). Such investigations are rarely taken.
Hi, wondering if you guys can help me interpret an MRI response?
MRI right hand, wrist, wrist and fingers:
«Standard protocol without iv. contrast. No x-rays. No previous survey for comparison. There is diffuse soft tissue swelling on the wrist, and here is also an ulnar bursitis. There is sparse margoedema distal to the radius and ulna, and more pronounced edema on the carpal bones as well as on the base of the metacarpal bones. Irregular erosive changes on all carpal bones, and irregular decreased signal on T1 and elevated signal on STIR, respectively. Adjacent periarticular margoedema and periarticular soft tissue edema. There are high-signal changes over the wrist and in the carpal tunnel, consistent with synovitis. Slight degenerative changes at the MCP joints as well as the DIP joints.
R: Changes that are compatible with current erosive arthritis in the wrist. "
Hi Laila,
Of course we can.
First, they mention that you have an ulnar bursitis - that is, a mucositis of the wrist.
You can read more about it here:
https://www.vondt.net/hvor-har-du-vondt/vondt-handledd-diagnose-behandling/ulnar-bursitt-handledd-slimposebetennelse/
Then they see that there are breakdowns on the carpal bones - this means bone changes / damage to the small bones in the hand.
There is also edema in several places around the wrist - which means that there is an increased presence of fluid - which in turn can indicate injury or irritation. This may also be due to the mucositis they have seen.
Synovitis / arthritis means that it is an, often rheumatic, arthritis. This is in the root of the hand / wrist.
We understand that you must be in a lot of pain with this MRI. And it also seems as if you are suffering from a rheumatic disorder - were you aware of this, or are you perhaps in the process of being investigated? If not, we think you should be examined further by a rheumatologist.
Do you have any questions, Laila?
Hey!
Wondering if you can please help me interpret an MRI answer?
For information, I have previously been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the left big toe, and have had surgery with bracing.
MRI pelvis with hips:
Without iv. contrast. X-ray pelvis with hips from March 14, 2017 for comparison.
Normal signals from the bone marrow. No signs of fracture or destruction. Degenerative changes at the IS joints and the symphysis. There are incipient degenerative changes in the hip joints. No hydrops, corpus liberum or synovitis on either side. No established coxarthrosis. No evidence of labrum injury. Off the trochanter major region on both sides, a discreetly elevated signal is seen on fluid-weighted sequences compatible with mild soft tissue edema. Interpreted as mild bilateral trochanteritis, somewhat more pronounced on the right side. Mild tendinosis is noted in the m. Gluteus minimus and medius tendon bilaterally. No bursitis. Normal hamstring attachments on the buttock knots. Nothing to notice at the lower anterior abdominal wall. Unobtrusive findings in the groin. Normal signals from muscles. No evidence for ischiofemoral impingement problems. No free fluid in small pelvis.
R: Mild trochanter tendinitis bilaterally, slightly more pronounced on the right side. Confer text.
Hi Anita,
Of course we can.
Degenerative changes = Wear changes
No synovitis = No joint capsule inflammation
No coxarthrosis = No hip osteoarthritis
You have some minor damage to the tendon attachments to the gluteal muscles (gluteus minimus and medius bilaterally) - those that attach to the outside of the hip. Something more on the right than the left. We find it strange that the conclusion is tendinite when this seems to be due to tendon damage.
We have written an article about trochanter and gluteal tendinopathy which you can read by clicking here here .
Regards.
Alexander v / Vondt.net