Known as MRI, magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves, a computer, and a magnetic field to produce clearer and more detailed images than other types of tests. This is why more physicians are using MRI to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders in major joints, the spine, and soft tissues.
Most Beneficial Uses of MRI For Musculoskeletal Disorders
Our musculoskeletal system consists of bone, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and joints.
Doctors often use a combination of medical histories, physical exams, lab results and imaging tests to diagnose musculoskeletal disorders. An MRI is useful if the cause of pain is a soft tissue problem like a rupture of a ligament or tendon or damage to the knee joint, and there is no radiation used during the test.
An MRI can help diagnose degenerative arthritis, tears of the ligaments and tendons, rotator cuff injuries in the shoulder, and sports related injuries like osteomyelitis. Other problems like fractures of the hip, and spinal disc abnormalities like a herniated disc can be diagnosed by an MRI.
Other uses for an MRI include the following:
- Spinal cord integrity after a trauma
- Sports and work related injuries from repeated motion or forceful impact
- Tumors around joints and extremities and near soft tissue
- Pain swelling and bleeding in tissues in and around joint
- Developmental abnormalities in children
- Congenital or idiopathic scoliosis
Specialized doctors known as Radiologists then review and interpret the test results.
How MRI Can Help With Treatment
Once the injury, abnormality, or disorder has been diagnosed by the MRI, it is then utilized to determine treatment protocols and follow up care.
After appropriate treatments, the MRI can be taken again to determine any changes or improvements. Doctors can then discover if the treatment is working, if the problem persists, or if it has stabilized.
Contact Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center if you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your back or other areas of your body. An MRI may be a way to determine the cause for your pain.
As always, if you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call (214) 345-6905 today!