To confirm or rule out a health condition, diagnostic imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be necessary. For your convenience, Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group in Long Beach, California, is equipped with an MRI machine to be able to determine a diagnosis quickly. To schedule a consultation with the orthopaedic specialists, call the office today or request an appointment online.

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What is an MRI?

An MRI is an advanced diagnostic imaging test that captures detailed pictures of your internal organs. The painless, noninvasive test is used to help diagnose various medical conditions. The MRI uses magnetic pulses, radio waves, and computer programming to create the desired images and provide information about your health concerns.

Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group offers in-house MRIs to help you quickly get answers to your health questions.

Why would I need an MRI?

Your specialist at Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group may recommend an MRI to assist in the diagnosis of a suspected medical condition or to assess the disease or damage to your body part. Common orthopaedic conditions that benefit from an MRI include:

  • Knee or shoulder injuries
  • Back pain
  • Spinal injury
  • Bone infection
  • Arthritis
  • Neck or back pain with suspected nerve involvement

An MRI may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment or the deterioration of your tissue caused by your disease.

How do I prepare for an MRI?

Your specialist at Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group reviews how you need to prepare for your MRI. You should be able to eat normally and take your medication as scheduled, unless otherwise directed.

The MRI uses a powerful magnet to generate the images, and you’re advised to not wear any jewelry, wigs, dentures, hearing aids, or underwire bras to your procedure.

What can I expect during an MRI?

Your MRI is performed in an enclosed cylinder. To begin, your specialist has you lie on a special table that is then moved into position. During the procedure, the magnetic energy creates a tapping or pulsing sound, and you may use earplugs or listen to music during your MRI to drown out the noise.

You must lie as still as possible to ensure you get the best images. Your MRI may take 15-60 minutes. If you have difficulty staying still or you’re claustrophobic, your specialist at Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group may provide a mild sedative to help you relax during the procedure. 

After your MRI, you can resume your usual activities, unless you were given a sedative. Your specialist reviews the images created by your MRI and discusses them with you. 

To learn more about the MRI at Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group, contact the office by phone or online today.