Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging is a sophisticated diagnostic procedure to diagnose the following kinds of problems or conditions:

• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Infection
• Injuries of the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage
• Tumors

MRIs use no radiation like conventional X-rays or CT scans. They employ a large magnet and radio waves to produce a kind of three-dimensional image. MRIs are very good at portraying soft tissues and bones in your feet and ankles.

People with the following conditions may not be good candidates for a MRI:

• A condition that requires a heart pacemaker
• Electronic inner ear implants
• Electronic stimulators
• Implanted pumps
• Metal fragments in your eyes
• Some artificial heart valves
• Surgical clips in your head (particularly aneurysm clips)

If you have a dental filling or bridge, a replacement hip or knee, or tubal ligation clips, you are usually safe to have a MRI.

In most cases, a full exam of the foot and ankle last between one hour to 90 minutes.