MRI of the musculoskeletal system

MRI of the musculoskeletal system is a diagnostic procedure that allows to evaluate the condition of bone, articular and cartilaginous tissues.The study is conducted to identify pathology of the musculoskeletal system, develop an optimal treatment course and control the patient's condition.

Contents: For what purpose do they conduct?In what cases are they appointed?When do I need to ask for directions?Whom the study is contraindicated?How correctly to prepare?Possible adverse reactions Conducting the survey Advantages of the procedure Disadvantages of the procedure

For what purpose do they conduct?

MRI of the musculoskeletal system is an informative and extremely safe way of diagnosis.This method allows to reveal pathologies of bone structures, muscle tissues, synovial membranes, cartilage, joints and spine, which are not visualized by other types of diagnostic studies.

During the procedure, the following organs are subjected to examination:

• all parts of the spinal column;
• bone tissue;
• shoulder, hip, knee, ankle joint;
• muscle tissue;
• ligaments.

Note: is most commonly used by modern specialists to detect intervertebral hernia formations, as well as the most appropriate and safe method for their surgical removal.

This diagnostic study assesses the functional state of the musculoskeletal system in accordance with the following criteria:

1. Presence of possible degenerative-dystrophic changes.
2. Identify the causes of violations.
3. The presence of hemangiomas, which exert pressure on the vertebral bodies and vessels of the region of the spinal cord.
4. Exposure of existing neoplasms to nearby organs.
5. Processes of blood circulation and blood supply of tissue structures of the spinal cord.
6. Presence of intervertebral hernias, their size and location.
7. Presence of neoplastic tumors.
8. Functional and structural condition of bone, muscular, cartilaginous and articular tissues.
9. Presence of possible metastases.
10. Condition of bone tissues of the pelvic column.

Important! This technique allows to reveal the presence of malignant tumors in the musculoskeletal system long before the appearance of characteristic symptoms, which significantly increases the chances of favorable results of therapy!

When are they appointed?

Magnetic resonance imaging is recommended for patients in the following cases:

• permanent pain in the back;
• osteochondrosis;
• arthrosis;
• intervertebral hernia;
• protrusions;
• osteoporosis;
• dorsopathy;
• diseases of infectious genesis, causing disturbances in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

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congenital anomalies in the lumbar and sacral vertebral regions;
rheumatoid arthritis;
traumatic injuries of the musculoskeletal system;
osteonecrosis;
osteoarthritis;
sarcomas;
fibromas;
scoliosis;
stenosis;
bursitis;
fractures;
sciatica;
Tunnel Syndromes;
synovitis;
sprains;
intercostal neuralgia.

The study of the musculoskeletal system by magnetic resonance imaging, due to its accuracy, ultimate safety, and the absence of radiation load on the patient, is also used during patient preparation for surgical procedures, during the postoperative period, to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment!

When should I apply for a referral?

Doctors distinguish a number of anxiety symptoms, indicating traumatic injuries and pathology of the musculoskeletal system.

It is customary to refer to them:

• frequent pain in the region of the spine or joints;
• articular articular swelling;
• redness of the skin;
• impairment of motor activity;
• suffered injuries;
• suspected of having a hernia or tumor.

Important! Having detected at least some of the above symptoms, it is highly recommended to consult a specialist as soon as possible and get a referral for an MRI in the area of ​​the musculoskeletal system!

To whom is the test contraindicated?

The method of magnetic resonance imaging is characterized by a rather narrow spectrum of contraindications to .

The following factors are relevant to such a doctor:

1. Availability of pacemakers, metal prostheses, implants, etc.
2. The extreme stage of obesity( the weight category of the patient is from 130 kilograms and more).
3. The presence of tattoos with a metallic acid content on the body.
4. Convulsive and epileptic syndrome.
5. The first 4 months of pregnancy.
6. The age category of the patient is less than 5 years old.
7. Mental disorders associated with fear of confinement.
8. Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and other skin diseases in the stage of exacerbation.
9. Postponed severe traumatic injury to the visual apparatus.Heart failure is congestive.
10. .

The following are distinguished for contraindication with contraindications:

1. Renal failure, occurring in acute or chronic form.
2. Waiting period of the baby.
3. Increased susceptibility to allergic reactions.
4. Individual intolerance and excessive sensitivity to gadolinium, part of the contrast preparations.

Among the possible time constraints to the conduct of this method of diagnosis are the general severe condition of the patient and a strong pain syndrome capable of preventing a long time being immobile!

Note: in case the study passes breastfeeding mother, for two days after the procedure it should feed the baby with artificial mixtures!

How to properly prepare?

The examination of the musculoskeletal system, in principle, does not require special training.The patient does not need to adhere to a diet, and he can also take medication according to the usual pattern.

The most important thing is that, going to the procedure itself, wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and take off all metal objects, accessories and ornaments. It is also not recommended to use makeup before magnetic resonance imaging because it can include metal impurities, which can affect the results and distort the overall clinical picture.

If you were assigned a contrast study, then on the day of the procedure you should refrain from eating, because contrast agents are administered to patients solely on an empty stomach.

As the research process itself requires a fairly long stay in a stationary state, it is necessary to prepare for it in advance so that nothing is strained or distracted during the procedure.For example, immediately before the study is worth visiting the toilet, if necessary, in advance to take painkillers and sedatives medications.

Possible adverse reactions

A study using contrast agents may cause the following undesirable reactions in the patient:

• nausea;
• headaches;
• attacks of dizziness;
• general malaise;
• sensation of itching and burning in the area of ​​injection;
• anaphylactic shock( in particularly severe cases).

Note: as a rule, the manifestation of the above-listed side effects is due to the patient's increased tendency to allergic reactions or excessive sensitivity to the active substances of the contrasting drug!

In order to avoid such adverse effects, a special sample is usually used before the use of contrast agents. In the area of ​​the patient's forearm, small scratches are made, into which a little contrasting drug is injected.With increased sensitivity and individual intolerance, the skin blushes at the injection site, blisters appear on them, and a sensation of itching and burning occurs.In the presence of such reactions, the contrast test is not carried out!

Conducting a survey

Before starting the diagnosis, the patient lays on a special couch.The patient's hands and feet are fixed using special belts, in order to ensure absolute immobility, as required by this procedure.

If the patient is afraid and has a fear of being immersed in a capsule, he is given a sedative .In the presence of indications for contrast research, a special catheter is inserted into the ulnar vein area, through which the contrast agent itself is introduced.

Important! The research process is absolutely painless and does not cause any unpleasant sensations!

Of course, during the procedure the patient may not experience the most positive emotions, which is associated with a long stay in a confined space, and even if necessary to maintain complete immobility.

However, modern cameras are equipped with a good ventilation and lighting system, which makes staying in them as comfortable as possible.During the procedure, the doctor watches the patient through a special video camera, and the patient himself can communicate with a specialist using an installed sound sensor.

Therefore, do not worry, with any unpleasant sensations and worsening of the general condition of the patient, the diagnostic process can be suspended!

Please note : by popping a contrast agent lasts for about an hour!

Advantages of the

Method The study of the locomotor system by the magnetic resonance method is very popular. This is easily explained by the following advantages of this diagnostic procedure:

1. High accuracy and informativeness.
2. No radiation exposure to the patient.
3. Absolute painlessness and non-invasiveness.
4. No need for preliminary training, hospitalization and subsequent recovery of the patient.
5. Possibility of carrying out during pregnancy.
6. The minimum list of contraindications and age restrictions.
7. The ability to assess the damage to the spinal cord.
8. Receiving high-quality images in various projections.
9. Ability to visualize the nerves.
10. Get results quickly.
11. Ability to conduct a repeat examination to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and the dynamics of the pathological process, without risks to the patient's health.
12. Low risks of development of undesirable reactions.
13. A wide range of research.
14. Ability to identify pathological processes at the earliest stages of development.

Disadvantages of the procedure

The following factors usually refer to the shortcomings of the magnetic resonance imaging method of the musculoskeletal system:

1. Possible adverse reactions when a contrast agent is introduced.
2. Psychological discomfort, caused by the need to remain motionless in a confined space.
3. High research prices, which makes it inaccessible to many patients.
4. Dependence of the quality of the images, and, consequently, the accuracy of the results on the condition and power of the tomograph.

MRI of the musculoskeletal system is one of the most accurate and reliable methods of diagnosing diseases of the spinal column, joints, bone and muscle tissues.This technique is extremely simple, safe and does not require long, specialized training.It plays an important role in the diagnosis of neoplasms in the musculoskeletal system, as well as intervertebral hernias.

Elena Sovinskaya, doctor, medical reviewer