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Joint MRI
knee MRI · shoulder MRI · hip MRI · ankle MRI
Pictures of a joint taken in a magnetic field. They show ligaments, menisci, cartilage, and muscles. There is no radiation.
For joint pain, swelling, or instability, after an injury, and if a torn ligament or meniscus is suspected.
⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 30 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Metal. At home, take off jewelry, piercings, and your watch. No metal is allowed in the scan room.
- Clothes. Wear comfortable clothes with no metal: no zips, snaps, or underwire. You are often given a disposable gown.
- Makeup. Do not wear mascara or glittery eye shadow. They can contain tiny bits of metal.
- Preparation. Usually no special prep is needed. You can eat and drink as usual.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past MRI or CT scans and reports
- Documents for any implants you have
- Your elastic bandage or brace, if you wear one. It will be taken off for the scan
How it goes
- You leave your phone, keys, cards, and anything metal in a locker
- You lie on the scanner table and get headphones or earplugs. The machine is noisy
- The joint is placed in a coil and held still with soft pads
- The table slides into the scanner tunnel
- Lie still. The staff can talk to you over a speaker
- You hold a call button. You can press it at any time
What you'll feel
- Loud knocking and humming. This is normal
- Sometimes slight warmth in the part of the body being scanned
- If contrast is given, a cool feeling in the vein. It passes quickly
Afterwards
- You can go back to your day straight away
- The report is usually ready the same day or in 1 to 2 days
Common questions
Can I have an MRI right after an injury?
Yes, if the doctor thinks it is needed. But with a lot of swelling, you may be advised to wait a few days.
Do I have to go all the way into the scanner?
For a knee or ankle MRI, usually only your legs go into the tunnel. Your head stays outside.