A person who has sustained a serious ankle injury or is experiencing chronic pain may need an ankle MRI or MRI. An MRI machine is a medical device that uses magnets and radio waves to produce an image of the internal structure of a body part. A doctor may use an ankle MRI to carefully investigate problems with tendons, ligaments, joint tissue, and bones. Knowing what to expect when having an MRI can ease the stress and worries a person may have. A patient can expect to answer many medical history questions before the procedure, lie down for an hour and a half while their foot is scanned, and wait for radiologists to interpret the results.
Under certain conditions, physicians may instruct their patients to limit their intake of food or water for a period prior to an ankle MRI procedure. At the hospital or specialty clinic, technicians, nurses, or doctors often ask patients various questions about their medical history. A medical professional usually asks if a patient has persistent heart problems or artificial parts, such as pacemakers, artificial heart valves, or metal plates. A technician may also ask about specific symptoms regarding an injury or condition to get a better idea of what to focus on during the MRI.
When it is time to begin the scan, the patient is instructed to change into a hospital gown and remove metal jewelry, bracelets, and watches, as metal can disrupt the MRI machine. The patient is told to lie down on a table that slides into the machine, which looks like a large metal tube. For an ankle MRI, a person usually only needs their leg to be inside the tube.
During the procedure, the technician instructs the individual to remain very still to ensure accurate readings. The machine makes clicking or banging sounds while recording images, so loud noises shouldn't be a concern. Depending on the severity and complexity of an injury, the ankle MRI can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to a half hour to complete. Once the procedure is finished, the technician will help the patient off the table and allow you to fix it.
Ankle MRI images must be carefully interpreted by trained radiologists, who may or may not be available immediately after a procedure. Patients often do not hear their results for several days, when copies of the images are sent to their primary care physicians. Based on the results, doctors can make accurate diagnoses and decide on the best treatment options. A patient may need to have more than one MRI to monitor the progress and effectiveness of surgery or other treatment.