The most informative and modern method of diagnosing pathological changes in the musculoskeletal system is magnetic resonance imaging. MRI of the joints far exceeds the possibilities of a standard X-ray study. In addition, this procedure does not subject the patient to ionizing radiation, which prevents irreversible changes in the cells of the body and the DNA chain.
What does the MRI of the joints show?
The main advantage of magnetic resonance imaging is the possibility of assessing the condition of not only bone tissue, but also soft articular, periarticular structures, muscles, synovial folds, menisci, and nearby ligaments.
It is important to note that, in contrast to conventional X-ray images, a three-dimensional model of the joint under study is created during the MRI. It is created from a series of numerous consecutive images with a cutting thickness of 1 mm.
What is the purpose of MRI of the knee and ankle joint?
The tomography of the knee allows revealing the following pathologies:
- arthritis;
- rupture of the meniscus;
- deforming osteoarthritis;
- damage to tendons, articular tissue, ligaments;
- bursitis;
- violation of the integrity of connective tissue;
- tumors, metastases;
- sports injuries;
- accumulation of fluid.
MRI of the ankle helps diagnose:
- arthrosis;
- injuries of cartilage, tendons and ligaments;
- aseptic necrosis;
- tendonitis, tendonitis;
- arthritis;
- Infectious inflammation;
- congenital anomalies of ankle joint development;
- unconsolidated fracture;
- oncological neoplasms.
Indications for MRI of the shoulder and elbow joint
Magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder is recommended in such cases:
- diseases cuff-rotators;
- accumulation of fluid in cavities;
- myositis;
- tendonitis;
- damage to the cartilage and cortical layer in the joint;
- infringement of nerves and tendons;
- impingment-syndrome;
- rupture of the joint capsule, ligaments;
- polyarthritis;
- osteoarthritis.
The examination of the elbow joint allows us to confirm the following pathologies:
- bursitis ;
- abscess of the elbow;
- lateral and medial epicondylitis;
- avascular necrosis;
- ganglionic cyst;
- fractures, infections of bones;
- synovitis;
- damage to surrounding muscles;
- pathology of the median nerve;
- tumors;
- arthritis, arthrosis;
- injuries of cartilage, ligaments, tendons.
In addition, an MRI of the wrist joint can be used to diagnose:
- hygromous;
- synovium;
- tenosynovitis, tenosynovitis;
- osteomyelitis;
- degenerative changes in the joints;
- arthritis;
- tunnel syndromes;
- habitual dislocation.
Why do MRI of the temporomandibular joint?
Indications for the type of study under consideration are:
- displacement of the joint disc or head;
- deformation of the articular cavity;
- damage to the cartilaginous tissue;
- asymmetry of the shape of the heads;
- effusion into the joint cavity;
- irregular structure or structure of the pterygoid lateral muscle.
When is MRI of the hip joint prescribed?
This type of diagnosis is important for such ailments:
- transient osteoporosis;
- idiopathic juvenile arthritis;
- epiphysis of the head of the femur;
- sciatica ;
- infection of the joint;
- Perthes' disease;
- fractures, stretching.