MRI Services

Premier Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine offers a state-of-the-art MRI technology to better serve our patient’s needs. An MRI is a non-invasive way to take a look inside your body and help determine what kind of treatment you need. All you need to do is relax and lie still.

NOTICE: An MRI is not harmful in any way. However, it is very important that you tell your doctor about any surgical procedures you’ve had in the past, and if you have a pacemaker or any implants made partially or completely out of iron or steel.

Our MRI Center offers:

  • Dedicated, highly-trained staff
  • Convenient hours
  • Convenient parking
  • Same-day scheduling
  • Most insurances accepted
  • Board Certified Musculoskeletal Trained Radiologists

Our larger MRI (below, left) is a patient-friendly, short-bore magnet with unparalleled openness, with an extra-large opening for patient ease and comfort. It is designed to facilitate feet-first entry so the patient’s head can remain outside for the majority of exams.

Our extremity MRI

  • reduces or eliminates feelings of claustrophobia.
  • reduces the need for sedation
  • quieter than standard MRI scanners
  • more comfortable patient posture
  • lessens unintended movement
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a way to diagnose certain disorders, injuries, and diseases without x-rays, surgery, or pain.
  • MRI technology uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create a very clear picture of internal body structures and then measures the response with a computer.
  • MRI technology provides information to help you and your doctor make better decisions about your health care.
  • MRI is a non-invasive, painless exam with no known side effects or after effects.

 

Preparing for your MRI exam

  • No special preparation is required.
  • You may eat and take your prescription medications as usual and follow your normal, everyday activities.
  • Your doctor will tell you if there are other instructions.
  • You may be asked to change into a gown.
  • You may bring someone with you. They will be asked to wait in the reception area.
  • A secure place to store your valuables will be provided.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

  • Premier Orthopaedics is proud to provide patients with state-of-the-art MRI equipment that has the versatility needed to meet a demanding range of clinical requirements.
  • Premier’s MRI machines provide comfort for the patient while delivering the consistently high quality images needed for a complete and accurate diagnosis.
  • Once your MRI exam is completed, the images will be read by a highly qualified and experienced Board Certified radiologist who is specially trained to interpret the scans.
  • Your doctor may also read your MRI pictures and will tell you the next step to take following your MRI exam.

Your MRI Exam

  • You can speak with the technologist through an intercom system during your exam.
  • You will hear some loud knocking sounds when the MRI pictures are being taken.
  • The only thing for you to do is relax and HOLD STILL.
  • If necessary, a “contrast agent” may be administered that allows the radiologist to see the image more clearly. MRI contrast agents typically have few or no side effects. Your doctor or the technician will give you a more detailed explanation.
  • The typical exam lasts about 30 minutes to usually no more than an hour.
  • After your exam you will feel normal and can resume your regular activities.

Restrictions

  • You should tell your doctor if you have had brain, ear, eye, or other surgery.
  • Because the MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field you should tell your doctor or the MRI technologist if you have any of the following: a pacemaker, aneurysm clips, a neuro-stimulator (Tens-unit), metal implants, an intrauterine device (IUD), steel surgical staples or clips, an implanted drug infusion device, foreign metal objects in your eye, shrapnel or bullet wounds, permanent eyeliner, or any implant made partially or wholly of iron or steel.
  • If you are pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor or the MRI technologist.
  • Do not bring any metal objects into the exam room including: coins, jewelry, watches, glasses, credit cards, keys, hair pins, hearing aids, dentures, or partial plates.