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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI Munich – a brief introduction to how magnetic resonance imaging works

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is an important diagnostic procedure used to visualize the inside of our bodies. It is an imaging technique that can be used to visualize the structures and functions of tissues and organs.

Magnetic resonance imaging was discovered as early as the 1950s. However, it was first used mainly in the fields of chemistry and physics. It was not until the mid-1990s that it was also used in medicine.

Magnetic resonance imaging – a brief introduction to how it works

Magnetic resonance tomographs do not work with X-rays, but use special magnetic fields. In our body there are atomic nuclei, which usually rotate around themselves. The name nuclear spin is also derived from this phenomenon. Magnetic resonance imaging now generates a magnetic field that lies outside the body. Thus, the atomic bodies are forced to arrange themselves in a certain direction.

But not only is a magnetic field generated in an MRI scanner, but radio waves are also directed at the body. The radio waves are delivered to the body at specific intervals. During the pauses, signals are emitted by the atomic nuclei. This allows an accurate picture of your interior to be mapped. For certain examination procedures, it may be necessary to inject contrast medium intravenously during the examination. This contrast agent is distributed throughout the body by intravenous administration. This makes it easier to distinguish between different tissues and enables meaningful diagnostics.

With an MRI, the entire body can be scanned, so to speak, or only certain areas can be scanned.

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The specialists at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost will be happy to provide you with a medical consultation. Take advantage of our wealth of experience in the field of orthopedics and feel free to make an appointment with us!

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What are the applications of MRI?

Similar to a computer tomography, an MRI can be used in various areas of diagnostics. A decisive advantage is the detailed vascular imaging, which can be achieved by means of magnetic resonance imaging. Especially tissues in which there are no bony parts can be imaged. For example, it checks whether there are inflammatory foci in a specific region. Other uses of MRI:

Bone Density Measurement
Magnetic resonance therapy of the spine and joints
Imaging of heart and blood vessels

In the field of diagnostics of diseases of the joints offers a wide range. In this way, inflammatory foci or degenerative changes in joints can be detected more easily and thus treated more quickly. This also applies to traumatic joint diseases, which can be the result of an accident or injury.

What must be considered before an MRI?

It is important that you are aware that the examination takes place in a narrow tube. If you have any difficulties with this, please let us know. A sedative may be given before the exam so you can get through the MRI without stress. During the examination, you should breathe calmly and evenly.

Objects that are electromagnetic must not be worn during an MRI. These include:

Glasses, contact lenses and hearing aids
Dentures or hair braces
Watches and rings

If you have implants in your body, you must disclose this prior to an MRI. This type of tomography cannot be performed on pacemakers or heart valves containing metal. If you are using contraception with an IUD, you should have the correct fit checked by your gynecologist after the MRI.

Procedure of an MRI

An MRI is performed with the patient lying down. You will lie on a special examination couch, which will also be used to take you to the MRI. This is done at a moderate speed so that you can slowly get used to the environment. Depending on the region to be imaged, you will be pushed all or part of the way into the MRI.

Before the examination begins, you will be given a bell to use if needed. This gives you, the patient, the option to cancel the MRI at any time. If the administration of contrast medium is necessary, we will insert an access beforehand. Through this access, our doctors can inject the contrast agent directly into the vein. As a rule, an MRI takes between 20 and 30 minutes.

Magnetic resonance imaging – are there complications or risks?

Compared to an X-ray examination, an MRI is not associated with any risks, which can continue to have an effect over a longer period of time. X-rays use other types of radiation, which result in relatively low radiation exposure. This is not the case with magnetic resonance therapy. For this reason, an MRI can generally be performed in pregnant women. If you are breastfeeding, you should refrain from breastfeeding for only 24 hours after the administration of contrast media.

Side effects may occur with the contrast medium used, which is excreted via the kidneys. MRI is not possible in patients who have renal insufficiency. Cold or warm sensations and also headaches can be side effects that rarely occur. Dizziness and allergic skin reactions may also be possible under certain circumstances. Before your MRI appointment at our Orthopedic Center Munich East, our physicians will provide you with comprehensive information about possible complications. We will inform you about the exact procedure of the MRI and answer your questions.

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