If you’ve recently broken a bone or suffered an injury in a car accident, your doctor may recommend an MRI scan to assess the damage to your internal structures. An MRI scan is a diagnostic imaging technology that your doctor may use to get clear, detailed images of how an injury or illness has affected you. MRI scans provide your doctor with pictures of damage to bones and joints, as well as soft tissues and organs. A broken bone may seem simple, but depending on how and where the break occurred it could impact nearby organs, muscles, tendons, and nerves. A diagnostic imaging tool like an MRI scan will help your doctor determine the most appropriate diagnosis so they can start developing a treatment plan for you.
How MRI Scans Work
MRI, which stands for “magnetic resonance imaging”, is a state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging tool that involves high-powered magnets, radio waves, and advanced computer technologies to take cross-sectional images of your internal structures. This will allow your doctor to assess the injured or damaged area from a variety of perspectives so they can get the full picture. The machine used to take an MRI scan is shaped like a round tube and you lie on a table that slides into the machine. The combinations of the strong magnets and radio waves create these detailed, three-dimensional images of the injured area.
Reasons for Getting an MRI Scan
Doctors recommend MRI scans for a range of issues, from broken bones to degenerative diseases like arthritis. MRI scans are useful for diagnosing car accident injuries as well as illnesses or diseases that affect the body. Complex injuries, including motorcycle collision injuries, may require an MRI scan in order to rule out serious complications like internal bleeding and other damage. Your doctor may also want to measure your body’s response to treatment over time with a series of MRI scans. If you have an illness or disease, an MRI scan can also be used to measure any growth of abnormal tissues like cysts, tumors, or cancer.
Preparing for an MRI Scan
When you have a scheduled MRI scan, you might be wondering how you should prepare. Unlike surgery or other invasive procedures, you typically do not need to restrict your food or water intake prior to an MRI scan. Sometimes your doctor may request an MRI scan with contrast, which means you would get an intravenous injection of a dye prior to the scan, which provides contrast and highlights certain areas of interest for your doctor. MRI scans are known for being rather loud and if you have difficulty being in enclosed spaces then you should talk to your doctor ahead of time. Because of the use of high-powered magnets, you cannot wear any jewelry or metal on your clothing when you get an MRI scan.
MRI Scans vs. X-Rays
MRI scans may be recommended over an X-ray when a more detailed assessment is needed. X-rays are fast and provide your doctor with a two-dimensional image of bones your bones and joints. However, an X-ray does not show other internal structures like organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. If you have a clear break or fracture, an X-ray may be all that is necessary to diagnose a broken bone. But if your doctor suspects other structures may have been impacted by the accident or the broken bone, an MRI may be recommended to get better diagnostic images.
MRI Scans vs. CT Scans
CT scans are similar to X-rays and both of these diagnostic imaging technologies do expose you to small amounts of radiation. An MRI scan does not expose you to any radiation. CT scans are also faster and provide more immediate results, and are commonly used in emergency situations. However, an MRI scan may be used once the emergency has passed to get a more detailed look at the affected area. A CT scan is more advanced than an X-ray and will provide your doctor with three-dimensional images as well.
If you have recently been injured and need to see a doctor, then visit AICA Orthopedics in Tucker and meet with our team of multi-specialty doctors who can assist you with the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of injuries. We also offer easy access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools like MRI scans in-house so you can see your doctor and schedule your scans all at one convenient location!