MRI scan of hip, knee, ankle, or foot joints with and without contrast

Procedure Information

What is a MRI Scan of Hip, Knee, Ankle, or Foot Joints with and without Contrast?

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of hip, knee, ankle, or foot joints with and without contrast is a procedure used to create detailed images of the inside of a patient’s joints. This procedure uses radio wave and a magnetic field to create the images.

Why Would I Get a MRI Scan of Hip, Knee, Ankle, or Foot Joints with and Without Contrast?

An MRI scan of hip, knee, ankle, or foot joints with and without contrast is typically conducted if the patient is experiencing pain in the joints, or if damage, inflammation, or infection is suspected.

What Happens During a MRI Scan of Hip, Knee, Ankle, or Foot Joints with and Without Contrast?

During an MRI scan of hip, knee, ankle, or foot joints with and without contrast, the patient is made to lie on a table which is moved into a long tube-like scanner. A contrast agent which is injected into the patient may be used to highlight certain tissues. The MRI procedure takes between 20-60 minutes, and the patient is asked to remain still. Noise from the scanner may be heard during the procedure.

What to Expect After a MRI Scan of Hip, Knee, Ankle, or Foot Joints with and Without Contrast?

Immediately after the procedure, the patient may experience a sensation of warmth in locations where contrast was used. The patient may also experience a metallic taste in their mouths in cases where contrast was used. There are also usually no side-effects after the procedure.

Conclusion

A MRI scan of hip, knee, ankle, or foot joints with and without contrast is a procedure used to create detailed images of the inside of a patient’s joints. The procedure is conducted to identify issues such as damage, inflammation, or infection in the joints. During the procedure the patient is injected with a contrast agent which helps to highlight certain tissues. The patient may feel a warmth in areas where contrast was used, and a metallic taste in their mouth. Usually there are no after-effects from the procedure.