What is an MRI?

The MRI machine is a tunnel shaped magnet with a very high magnetic field strength. Electrical pulses are used to vary the direction and strength of the magnetic field. This causes magnetic realignment of atoms and molecules within the body. Computer processing can recognise the changes in the atoms as typical of organs and other structures within the body, building up a picture of normal parts of your body and those affected by disease.

Due to the strong magnetic field some people may not be able to have an MRI scan. You will need to complete a safety questionnaire prior to your appointment. If you have any of the following implants: 

• Heart pacemaker
• Artificial heart valve
• Metal fragments in the eye, head or body
• Aneurysm clips (these are metal clips inserted during some operations, especially of the blood vessels in the brain)
• Blood vessel stents

or if you answer 'yes' to any of the questions on your safety questionnaire, you must contact us before your appointment.

What is an MRI Arthrogram?

An MRI arthrogram is an MRI scan performed after an injection of fluid into a joint which allows the joint structures to be more visible during the scan.

Are there any special preparations required?

You may eat and drink normally and continue to take your usual medication.

If you have been sent a safety questionnaire with your appointment letter, please fill it in and follow the instructions in the appointment letter and questionnaire.

You must not drive for the remainder of the day, please make alternative travel arrangements to get home after.

Arrival

• On arrival you will need to hand in your safety questionnaire.
• You will be asked to remove all metallic items and you will be asked to change into a hospital gown which will be provided.
• You will be given a locker to store your valuables safely.
• You may wish to leave your jewellery at home for safe keeping, if you bring them in with you, items will have to be removed prior to your scan.
• A radiographer will double check the safety questionnaire with you and explain the MRI procedure.

What happens during the MRI Arthrogram?

A radiologist (a doctor who specialises in X-ray procedures) will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have; you will then be asked to sign a consent form.

The injection part of your test will take approximately 30 minutes to complete, the injection into your affected joint is carried out under sterile conditions by the radiologist. The skin around your joint area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and this area will be covered with a sterile sheet. A local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area and a fine needle will then be introduced into the joint using X-rays to guide it into the correct place, fluid will be injected into the joint and the needle will be removed. Following the injection of the fluid you will be taken directly to the MRI scan department to undergo an MRI scan of your joint.

In the MRI Department

You will be taken into the scan room where you will be asked to lie on the examination couch, the couch will then be moved into the magnet opening for the scan. It is important that you lie really still for the whole scan to ensure your pictures are of the best diagnostic quality. 

When the scanner is operating you will hear a drumming noise and as the magnetic field changes, the noise varies from a light tapping, through to a pneumatic drill. The noise only lasts a few minutes….it just seems longer! We will give you some headphones to reduce the noise and play some music for you to listen to, you may bring your own if you wish.

To produce the pictures the machine will need to complete a number of “sequences” of noise of up to about 5 minutes. There will also be some intervals where all you hear is the hum of electrical machinery. You can expect to be in the magnet for between 20 and 40 minutes.

The radiographer can see you during the scan and will talk to you on the two-way intercom and you will be given an alarm to hold that you can press in an emergency if you need to.
You may be in the MRI department for up to one hour, the length of the examination will vary depending on which area is being scanned; this can typically take from 20-60 minutes.

Are there any side effects?

There may be a tight feeling in your joint for a short while and your joint may feel stiff.

If you are employed in a particularly heavy or physical job it is advisable that you do not return to work immediately. You will be given advice by the radiologist at the time of your test. 

Are there any risks?

An arthrogram is a common examination and has little risk. However, there may be a small risk of infection being introduced into the joint.

If you have any problems after the examination such as joint pain that persists for one or two days, please attend your nearest Emergency Department.

There are some small risks involved with the use of X-rays but only the minimum amount of radiation is used to produce the images required. We all receive radiation naturally over our lifetimes and the dose received from an arthrogram is similar to the natural background radiation we receive from the environment over a period of 2-3 weeks.

The X-rays will let the doctor place the fluid into the correct place inside your joint so that the MRI arthrogram can give useful information about your condition. The benefit of having the X-ray far outweighs the tiny radiation dose you will receive.

The MRI scanner does not use X-rays and has no known side effects.

The examination

A consultant radiologist will review the scan and issue a report. The images and results will be forwarded to the consultant in charge of your care. Your consultant will send you an appointment to discuss the results of the scan.

Lastly - relax, don’t worry about your scan as we are here to help. If you have any fears or doubts, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our staff.

Contact

MRI department - 0121 685 4135
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. Failure to inform us may mean that you will not be sent a further appointment in the future.