| |
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses two natural, harmless forces to generate unique and innovative views inside the human body: magnetic fields and radio waves. Computer-generated images of the body are then produced, allowing physicians to obtain clinically-useful and very precise diagnostic information.
MRI provides much greater contrast between the different soft tissues of the body than does CT which makes it especially useful neurological (brain), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological (cancer) imaging. MRI has also become the imaging modality of choice for most malignancies and neurological diseases of the brain/span, including:
- Brain Tumors
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Cervical Cancer
MRI’s ability to generate non-invasive, anatomically-detailed images of both bone and soft tissues has made it the preferred modality of choice for most orthopedic applications, including:
- Knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, elbow
- Ligaments and tendons
- Back pain and failed back syndrome
MRI exams are non-invasive, painless, and have no known side effects. Images created by an MRI, though similar to an X-ray, are performed without the use of radiation. However, unlike an X-ray, a physician can visualize through the hard bone and soft tissues of the body like muscles and internal organs. Showing the difference between normal and abnormal tissues, these images are very exact and, in fact, MRI scans can display more than 250 distinct shades of grey, each reflecting slight disparities in tissue density or water content. It is in those subtle shades that a radiologist can discover any abnormalities of the soft tissue. For example, here's sagittal-view image of the spine. See the dark disc that, unlike the others, protrudes into the spinal canal? That is actually a herniated disc compressing the nerves of the spinal cord, ouch!  The radiologist also has the ability to alter image parameters, such as timing or gradients, to emphasize areas of injury or disease or to accentuate areas of injury or disease or to obtain higher resolutions. |
|
|
