Patient Information & Education

Here we provide basic information about MR evaluation of different MSK body parts. Click on a body part for more information..

General Information

What is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging modality that allows the visualization of internal structures of the body permitting doctors to diagnose certain diseases.

What is Translational MRI?

It is the application of novel research techniques to the conventional MR techniques currently being used.

Is MRI safe?

It is an extremely safe procedure as long as precautions are taken. As the MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, it may attract certain metallic objects. We have pre-screening procedures.

What can you evaluate with MRI?

MRI is used to diagnose many diseases in the body. We focuses on MRI of the musculoskeletal structures that involves bones, cartilage, nerves, tendons, spine, and many other joints.

Click on a body part to learn more!

Shoulder

It is also called the glenohumeral joint. It is formed by contact between the humerus and the glenoid (one surface of a complex bone called the scapula), and located below the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. Injuries can occur in many structures of the shoulder including:

Rotator cuff (formed by 4 muscles and tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis).
Glenoid labrum (a fibrocartilaginous rim attached to the scapula)
Capsule
Ligaments

Elbow

The elbow is formed by contact between the humerus proximally and the radius and ulna distally. There are three articulations in the elbow: radiohumeral, radioulnar and ulnohumeral. Injuries can occur in many structures of the shoulder:

Tendons and muscles located at the anterior, posterior, medial and lateral aspects of the elbow (e.g. biceps tendon and common extensor and flexor tendon tears)
Capsule
Ligaments
Articular cartilage and bones

Finger

To Be Added...

Cartilage

The cartilage is a specialized tissue present in many parts of the body (joints, vertebrae, ears, nose, ribs, among others). There are different types of cartilage:

Hyaline cartilage: present in the joints, covers the ends of bones. It helps to bear and distribute weight (shown in the illustration).
Elastic cartilage: very flexible, present in the ears and larynx.
Fibrocartilage: stiff and inflexible, present in the knee (meniscus), wrist (Triangular Fibrocartilage), the joints of the jaw (articular disc of the Temporomandibular Joint).

Hip

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where the acetabulum (part of the hip bone) covers the proximal part of the femur or femoral head. It is also called the femoroacetabular joint. Injuries can occur in:

Tendons and muscles (gluteal, hamstrings and adductor lesions are common)
Acetabular labrum (a fibrocartilaginous rim attached to the hip bone)
Capsule
Ligaments
Articular cartilage
Bones

Wrist

The Triangular Fibrocartilage of the wrist (or TFC) is a fibrocartilaginous structure, triangular in shape, located between the ulna (one of the two bones of the forearm) and the carpal bones (a group of bones that makes up the wrist).
The TFC contributes to wrist stabilization and protects the bone and the cartilage (e.g. falling on an outstretched hand).
Damage to the TFC can result in wrist osteoarthritis and damage to other structures of the wrist.

Foot

The foot is formed by several bones and is divided in three sections: forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot. The bones form the arches of the foot which provide support allowing us to stand upright, walk, run and jump. Injuries can occur in many structures of the foot:

Tendons
Ligaments
The capsule of the joints in the foot
Plantar Plates (fibrocartilaginous structures unique to the toes)
Plantar Fascia (fibrous structure unique to the foot)
Articular cartilage and bones

Spine

The spine is formed by 24 bones called vertebrae and is dived in three main sections: cervical (neck), thoracic (chest) and lumbar (lower back). The spine gives support to the body and also holds and protects the spinal cord. The Intervertebral Disc (IVD) is a soft tissue cushion located between each vertebrae, enabling flexible motion. The cartilage endplate is the interface between the IVD and vertebral body, and it contributes to nutrition of the IVD.

TMJ (Jaw)

The Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ is the joint of the jaw and is located at both sides of the head. Its proper function is essential in mastication and speech production. The structures that conform the TMJ are illustrated on the right. Damage to any of its components, specially the articular disc can lead to TMJ osteoarthritis and significantly impair its function.

Bone

Bones provide shape and support for the body and protection for some organs. Bones are also a storage site for minerals and blood cells. Bones are formed by different types of tissue:

Compact or cortical bone: hard tissue in the outer aspect of the bones.
Trabecular bone: a sponge-like tissue inside the bones.
Subchondral bone plate: smooth tissue at the end of bones covered by cartilage.

Meniscus

The meniscus of the knee is a crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure located between the bones of the knee (the femur and the tibia). There are two menisci in the knee: lateral and medial meniscus.

The meniscus functions as a cushion to protect the bone and the cartilage of the femur and tibia when the knee is loaded (e.g. walking, running). Damage to the meniscus can result in knee osteoarthritis.

Tendon

Tendons are bands of connective tissue that attach muscle to bone.
In the body there are numerous tendons.
When a muscle contracts, it pulls the bone so movement is possible. The function of the tendon is to transmit the force between the muscle and the bone.
Tendons are primarily composed of collagen.
A tendon sheath with synovial fluid surrounds most of the tendons. It allows a smooth movement of the tendon.

Ankle

The ankle joint is formed by three bones: the tibia at the inner side of the joint, the fibula at the outer side and the talus underneath. The ankle joint is responsible for foot flexion and extension. Injuries can occur in many structures of the ankle:

Tendons (the Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body)
Capsule
Ligaments
Articular cartilage
Bones

About Shoulder MRI

For shoulder MRI there is no special preparation needed unless you doctor specifically requests it.

The patient is positioned laying on their back with the injured arm alongside the body and the thumb pointing up, inside the MRI machine or scanner.
The patient will be asked to use earplugs as the scanner may produce loud sounds that are normal and will not harm the patient.
A piece of plastic, called a “coil”, may be placed on the shoulder. This helps to get better quality pictures.
The technician will be giving the instructions through a speaker and will check that the patient is comfortable during the examination.

What is MRI used for in the shoulder ?

MRI allows us to see many of the different structures in the shoulder.
Several injuries or diseases affecting those structures can be diagnosed using MRI.
Common things include labral tears or degeneration, damage to the joint capsule, tendons or ligaments that contribute to shoulder stabilization, osteoarthritis, tumors, among others.

MRI examinations showing normal shoulder (top) and a rotator cuff tear and bursitis (bottom).

Why Translational MRI of the Shoulder

In the shoulder, as in many other parts of the body there are certain structures that can’t be seen (they look black or dark) with the standard MRI.
There are new “software” programs that allow us to see structures with different contrast (bright versus dark).
Some of these “invisible” or dark structures are unique to the shoulder (glenoid labrum) and others are found in other parts of the body (e.g. cartilage, ligaments, tendons, cortical bone).

MRI examinations using the standasrd MRI technique (top) and translational MRI technique (bottom).

About Elbow MRI

For elbow MRI there is no special preparation needed unless your doctor specifically requests it.
The patient is positioned laying on their back with the injured arm extended alongside the body and the palm facing up, inside the MRI machine or scanner.
The patient will be asked to use earplugs as the scanner may produce loud sounds that are normal and will not harm the patient.
A piece of plastic, called a “coil”, may be placed on the elbow. This helps to get better quality pictures.
The technician will be giving the instructions through a speaker and will check that the patient is comfortable during the examination.

What is MRI used for in the Elbow ?

MRI allows us to see many of the different structures in the elbow.
Several injuries or diseases affecting those structures can be diagnosed using MRI.
Common things include degeneration, partial or complete tears of ligaments and/or tendons, damage to the joint capsule, cartilage defects, osteoarthritis, tumors, among others.

Elbow MRI examinations showing normal (top) and abnormal (bottom) biceps tendon.

Why Translational MRI of the Elbow?

In the elbow, as in many other parts of the body there are certain structures that can’t be seen (they look black or dark) with the standard MRI.
There are new “software” programs that allow us to see structures with different contrast (bright versus dark).
Some of these “invisible” or dark structures can be found in the elbow and in other parts of the body (e.g. cartilage, ligaments, tendons, cortical bone).

To be added...

About MRI evaluation of the cartilage

The cartilage will be assessed when evaluating a MRI of a specific body region.
For MRI of the musculoskeletal system generally there is no special preparation needed unless you doctor specifically requests it.
The position of the patient in the MRI machine or scanner will depend on the region of the body to be imaged.
The patient will be asked to use earplugs as the scanner may produce loud sounds that are normal and will not harm the patient.
A piece of plastic, called a “coil”, may be placed on the region to be imaged. This helps to get better quality pictures.
The technician will be giving the instructions through a speaker and will check that the patient is comfortable during the examination.

What is MRI used for in the cartilage ?

MRI allows us to see different regions of the cartilage.
Several injuries or diseases affecting the cartilage can be diagnosed using MRI.
Common things affecting the cartilage include degenerative or traumatic defects, abnormal calcium deposition in the cartilage, fractures affecting the cartilage and the underlying bone (osteochondral fractures), among others.

Knee MRI examinations showing normal (top) and abnormal (bottom) articular cartilage.

Why Translational MRI of the cartilage?

In the cartilage, as in many other tissues of the body there are certain structures that can’t be seen (they look black or dark) with the standard MRI.
There are new “software” programs that allow us to see structures with different contrast (bright versus dark).
In the cartilage these “invisible” or dark structures include the calcified layer and the radial or deep zone of the cartilage.

Knee MRI examinations using the standarad MRI techniques (top) and translational MRI techniques (bottom).

About the hip MRI

For hip MRI there is no special preparation needed unless your doctor specifically requests it.
The patient is positioned laying on their back inside the MRI machine or scanner.
The patient will be asked to use earplugs as the scanner may produce loud sounds that are normal and will not harm the patient.
A piece of plastic, called a “coil”, may be placed on the hip. This helps to get better quality pictures.
The technician will be giving the instructions through a speaker and will check that the patient is comfortable during the examination.

What is MRI used for in the hip ?

MRI allows us to see many of the different structures in the hip.
Several injuries or diseases affecting those structures can be diagnosed using MRI.
Common things include degeneration, partial or complete tears of ligaments and/or tendons, damage to the joint capsule, labral tears, cartilage defects, osteoarthritis, tumors, fractures, avascular necrosis, among others.

Hip MRI examinations showing normal (top) and abnormal (bottom) tendon of the Hamstrings Muscle Complex.

Why Translational MRI of the hip?

In the hip, as in many other parts of the body there are certain structures that can’t be seen (they look black or dark) with the standard MRI.
There are new “software” programs that allow us to see structures with different contrast (bright versus dark).
Some of these “invisible” or dark structures are unique to the hip (acetabular labrum) and others are found in other parts of the body (e.g. cartilage, ligaments, tendons, cortical bone).

About the wrist MRI

For wrist MRI there is no special preparation needed unless you doctor specifically requests it.
The patient lays inside the MRI machine on their back with the arm to be imaged extended alongside the body or on their stomach with the arm extender over the head.
The patient will be asked to use earplugs as the scanner may produce loud sounds that are normal and will not harm the patient.
A piece of plastic, called a “coil”, may be placed on the shoulder. This helps to get better quality pictures.
The technician will be giving the instructions through a speaker and will check that the patient is comfortable during the examination.

What is MRI used for in the wrist ?

MRI allows us to see many of the different structures in the wrist.
Many injuries or diseases affecting those structures can be diagnosed using MRI.
Common things include fractures (broken bone), ligament and tendon tears, damage to the Triangular Fibrocartilage of the wrist (perforations and degeneration), osteoarthritis, tumors, among others.

Wrist MRI examinations showing normal (top) and abnormal (bottom) TFC.

Why Translational MRI of the wrist?

In the wrist, as in many other parts of the body there are certain structures that can’t be seen (they look black or dark) with the standard MRI.
There are new “software” programs that allow us to see structures with different contrast (bright versus dark).
Some of these “invisible” or dark structures are unique to the wrist (Triangular Fibrocartilage or TFC) and others are found in other parts of the body (e.g. cartilage, tendons, ligaments, cortical bone).

Wrist MRI examinations using the standard MRI techniques (top) and translational MRI techniques (bottom).

About the foot MRI

For foot MRI there is no special preparation needed unless your doctor specifically requests it.
The patient is positioned laying on their back inside the MRI machine or scanner with the foot at right angles to the lower leg.
The patient will be asked to use earplugs as the scanner may produce loud sounds that are normal and will not harm the patient.
A piece of plastic, called a “coil”, may be placed on the foot. This helps to maintain optimal position and get better quality pictures.
The technician will be giving the instructions through a speaker and will check that the patient is comfortable during the examination.

What is MRI used for in the foot ?

MRI allows us to see many of the different structures in the foot.
Several injuries or diseases affecting those structures can be diagnosed using MRI.
Common things include degeneration, partial or complete tears of ligaments and/or tendons, damage to the cartilage and/or underlying bone, plantar plate injuries, osteoarthritis, tumors, fractures, among others.

Foot MRI examinations showing normal (top) and abnormal (bottom) Plantar Fascia.

Why Translational MRI of the foot?

In the foot, as in many other parts of the body there are certain structures that can’t be seen (they look black or dark) with the standard MRI.
There are new “software” programs that allow us to see structures with different contrast (bright versus dark).
Some of these “invisible” or dark structures are unique to the foot (e.g. plantar plates) and others are found in other parts of the body (e.g. cartilage, ligaments, tendons, cortical bone).

About spine MRI

For spine MRI there is no special preparation needed unless you doctor specifically requests it.
The patient is positioned on their back inside the MRI machine or scanner.
The patient will be asked to use earplugs as the scanner may produce loud sounds that are normal and will not harm the patient.
A piece of plastic, called a “coil”, may be placed on the shoulder. This helps to get better quality pictures.
The technician will be giving the instructions through a speaker and will check that the patient is comfortable during the examination.

What is MRI used for in the spine ?

MRI can visualize many of the different structures in the spine.
Many diseases affecting those structures can be diagnosed using MRI.
Common injuries and diseases include degeneration and tears of the intervertebral disc (IVD), herniated discs, osteoarthritis, tumors, vertebral fractures, among others.

MRI examinations showing normal (top) and abnormal (bottom) lumbar spine.

Why Translational MRI of the wrist?

In the spine, as in many other parts of the body there are certain structures that can’t be seen (they look black or dark) with the standard MRI.
There are new “software” programs that allow us to see structures with different contrast (bright versus dark).
Some of these “invisible” or dark structures are unique to the spine (vertebral endplate) and others are found in other parts of the body (e.g. ligaments, cortical bone, nerves).

Spine MRI examinations using the standard MRI techniques (top) and translational MRI techniques (bottom).

About Temporomandibular joint MRI

For MTJ MRI there is no special preparation needed unless you doctor specifically requests it. As in all MRI examinations, no metallic objects are allowed.

For this study, the patient is positioned laying facing up inside the MRI machine or scanner. The patient is required to use earplugs as the scanner may produce loud sounds that are normal and will not harm the patient. The technician will be giving the instructions and will assure that the patient is comfortable during the examination. In the case of the TMJ the patient likely be required to open and close the mouth as directed by the technician or the radiologist.

What is MRI used for in the TMJ?

MRI can visualize many of the different structures in the TMJ. Certain diseases affecting those structures can be diagnosed using MRI. Common diseases include abnormal position, tears and degeneration of the articular disc, osteoarthritis, tumors, among others.

MRI examinations showing normal (top) and abnormal (bottom) TMJ.

Why Translational MRI of the TMJ?

In the TMJ, as in many other parts of the body there is certain structures that can’t be seen with the standard MRI used in the clinical practice. There are new techniques that allow the visualization of some of the structures which are otherwise “invisible” in the standard MRI. Some of these “invisible” structures are unique to the TMJ (articular disc) and other are found in other parts of the body (e.g. tendons, ligaments, cortical bone).

TMJ MRI examinations using the standard MRI techniques (top) and translational MRI techniques (bottom).

About MRI evaluation of the bone

The bone will be assessed when evaluating a MRI of a specific body region.
For MRI of the musculoskeletal system generally there is no special preparation needed unless you doctor specifically requests it.
The position of the patient in the MRI machine or scanner will depend on the region of the body to be imaged.
The patient will be asked to use earplugs as the scanner may produce loud sounds that are normal and will not harm the patient.
A piece of plastic, called a “coil”, may be placed on the region to be imaged. This helps to get better quality pictures.
The technician will be giving the instructions through a speaker and will check that the patient is comfortable during the examination.

What is MRI used for in the bone ?

MRI allows us to see many of the different structures in the bones.
Several injuries or diseases affecting those structures can be diagnosed using MRI.
Common things affecting bones include osteoporosis, tumors, fractures, osteoarthritis, among others.

Leg MRI examinations showing normal (top) and abnormal (bottom) cortical bone.

Why Translational MRI of the bone?

In the bone, as in many other tissues of the body there are certain structures that can’t be seen (they look black or dark) with the standard MRI.
There are new “software” programs that allow us to see structures with different contrast (bright versus dark).
In the bone these “invisible” or dark structures include cortical bone, subchondral bone plate and vertebral endplate.

Leg MRI examinations using the standard MRI techniques (top) and translational MRI techniques (bottom).

About the knee MRI

For knee MRI there is no special preparation needed unless you doctor specifically requests it.
The patient is positioned on their back inside the MRI machine or scanner.
The patient will be asked to use earplugs as the scanner may produce loud sounds that are normal and will not harm the patient.
A piece of plastic, called a “coil”, may be placed on the shoulder. This helps to get better quality pictures.
The technician will be giving the instructions through a speaker and will check that the patient is comfortable during the examination.

What is MRI used for in the knee ?

MRI allows us to see many of the different structures in the knee.
Many injuries or diseases affecting those structures can be diagnosed using MRI.
Common things include meniscal tears, ligament tears or degeneration, osteoarthritis, tumors, among many others.

Knee MRI examinations showing normal (top) and abnormal (bottom) meniscus.

Why Translational MRI of the knee?

In the knee, as in many other parts of the body there are certain structures that can’t be seen (they look black or dark) with the standard MRI.
There are new “software” programs that allow us to see structures with different contrast (bright versus dark).
Some of these “invisible” or dark structures are unique to the knee (knee meniscus) and others are found in other parts of the body (e.g. cartilage, tendons, ligaments, cortical bone).

Knee MRI examinations using the standard MRI techniques (top) and translational MRI techniques (bottom).

About MRI evaluation of the tendon

Specific tendons will be assessed when evaluating a MRI of a specific body region.
For MRI of the musculoskeletal system generally there is no special preparation needed unless you doctor specifically requests it.
The position of the patient in the MRI machine or scanner will depend on the region of the body to be imaged.
The patient will be asked to use earplugs as the scanner may produce loud sounds that are normal and will not harm the patient.
A piece of plastic, called a “coil”, may be placed on the region to be imaged. This helps to get better quality pictures.
The technician will be giving the instructions through a speaker and will check that the patient is comfortable during the examination.

What is MRI used for in the tendon ?

MRI allows us to see the structure of the tendon.
Several injuries or diseases affecting the tendon can be diagnosed using MRI.
Common things affecting the tendons include degenerative or traumatic tears, abnormal calcium deposition in the tendons or adjacent to them, tendon degeneration, ganglion cysts (abnormal collections of fluid) in or adjacent to tendons, among others.

Ankle MRI examinations showing normal (top) and abnormal (bottom) Achilles tendon.

Why Translational MRI of the cartilage?

Tendons are one of the several structures that can’t be seen (they look black or dark) with the standard MRI.
There are new “software” programs that allow us to see structures with different contrast (bright versus dark).

Ankle MRI examinations using the standard MRI techniques (top) and translational MRI techniques (bottom).

About the ankle MRI

For ankle MRI there is no special preparation needed unless your doctor specifically requests it.
The patient is positioned laying on their back inside the MRI machine or scanner with the foot at right angles to the lower leg.
For ankle MRI there is no special preparation needed unless your doctor specifically requests it.
The patient is positioned laying on their back inside the MRI machine or scanner with the foot at right angles to the lower leg.
The patient will be asked to use earplugs as the scanner may produce loud sounds that are normal and will not harm the patient.
A piece of plastic, called a “coil”, may be placed on the ankle. This helps to maintain optimal position and get better quality pictures.
The technician will be giving the instructions through a speaker and will check that the patient is comfortable during the examination.

What is MRI used for in the ankle ?

MRI allows us to see many of the different structures in the ankle.
Several injuries or diseases affecting those structures can be diagnosed using MRI.
Common things include degeneration, partial or complete tears of ligaments and/or tendons, damage to the cartilage and/or underlying bone, osteoarthritis, tumors, fractures, among others.

Ankle MRI examinations showing normal (top) and abnormal (bottom) Achilles tendon.

Why Translational MRI of the ankle?

In the ankle, as in many other parts of the body there are certain structures that can’t be seen (they look black or dark) with the standard MRI.
There are new “software” programs that allow us to see structures with different contrast (bright versus dark).
Some of these “invisible” or dark structures are unique to the ankle (e.g. the Achilles tendon) and others are found in other parts of the body (e.g. cartilage, ligaments, other tendons, cortical bone).

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