Indications for The Use of MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a multidimensional imaging technique, allowing images of the body to be created in any plane. It is very sensitive to abnormalities of bone and soft tissues, whether these are due to trauma,  acute or chronic disease. This is a combination which makes it an ideal investigative tool. There are also no known side effects.

In cases of trauma, plain radiographs (X-rays) will usually show if there has been severe bony injury (fracture), but give little information regarding the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and menisci). MRI, however,  depicts (or excludes) injuries to these tissues as well as revealing the extent of any bony injury. This obviously aids diagnosis, allowing the appropriate treatment to be commenced.