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Whistler MRI Clinic provides Immediate Access to full strength 1.0T MRI scanning:
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a sophisticated diagnostic technique used to detect structural or anatomical problems inside the body without the need for exploratory surgery or more complex invasive tests. MRI can detect problems of the bones and joints such as arthritis, cartilage problems, torn ligaments, tendons, muscles and infection. MRI may also be used to tell if a bone is broken when x-ray results are not clear. The scaphoid is a very common bone injured in snowboarding and mountain bike riding. MRI can confirm a fracture that x-rays may not.
In many cases MRI provides information not seen on x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scans. It can also be used in conjunction with the other modalities to confirm a diagnosis. MRI can be used to detect problems in almost any area of the body. It is particularly useful for detecting soft tissue damage in joints such as ligaments, muscles, cartilage and tendons.
Whistler MRI Clinic uses the MSK Extreme 1.0T, ONI MRI. This system is the world's only full strength high field and truly open MRI system dedicated to extremity imaging. The MSK ExtremeTM 1.0T with v-SPECTM provides consistent high quality imaging of the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle and knee. The system's high performance has placed ONI MRI systems alongside other whole body MRI units.
How MRI works
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a way of obtaining very detailed images of joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons throughout the body. MRI uses a powerful rapidly changing magnetic field (M), radio frequency waves (R), and a computer to create images (I) that show whether or not there is an injury or tears of muscles, tendons or ligaments. Our bodies are predominately made of water and Hydrogen Protons (the H in H2O). Scientists discovered they were able to generate images by using a magnetic field in conjunction with radio frequency waves. The protons align with the strong magnetic field. When a radio frequency pulse is delivered, the proton alignment with the magnetic field is changed. When the pulse is turned off, the protons return to align again with the magnetic field and do so at different speeds. This produces signals that are picked up by a receiver within the scanner. These signals are specially characterized and computer-processed to create very sharp images of tissues as "slices" that can be viewed in any orientation.
Is MRI safe?
MRI is a safe and valuable instrument which looks at soft tissues including bone bruising and inflammation. There is no ionizing radiation (X-rays) involved with MRI. The magnetic fields produce no known tissue damage of any kind. Because of the strong magnetic field, patients who have a pacemaker, ear implants or aneurysm clips may not be candidates for MR imaging and must discuss this matter with a physician. Patients who have other types of metal implants and patients who have been exposed to shrapnel or whose eyes have been exposed to metal shavings also might not be candidates for MRI imaging and must discuss this with their physicians. It is important to let your physician know if these conditions apply to you. Makeup should not be worn during an MR exam.
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Who performs my MRI?
A licensed MRI technologist will perform your exam. They are skilled medical professionals who have received specialized education in the areas of anatomy, patient positioning, patient care, imaging techniques and MR procedures.
How do I obtain my results?
You will receive a CD of your images after the scan is completed and before you leave the clinic.
The images will be read by Dr Mascia, one of Canada’s leading sports medicine radiologists. A radiologist is a specially-trained physician who is able to interpret the scans for your doctor. A report will be sent to the referring doctor within 48 hours.
How do I prepare for the test?
There is no special preparation for the MRI scan. You do not have to adjust your daily routine as far as intake of food or medications. You will be given appropriate attire for the MRI scan to change into. Items that need to be removed by patients and individuals before entering the
MR system room include:
- Purse, wallet, money clip, credit cards, cards with magnetic strips
- Electronic devices such as beepers or cell phones
- Hearing aids
- Metal jewelry, watches
- Pens, paper clips, keys, coins
- Hair barrettes, hairpins
- Any article of clothing that has a metal zipper, buttons, snaps, hooks, underwires or any silver threading
- Shoes, belt buckles safety pins
- Please leave the above items in one of our secure lockers.
What can I expect?
When you arrive you will be greeted by the reception/admitting staff. You will fill out the appropriate forms as well as a safety questionnaire The technologist will review this with you prior to your scan.
Objects that may interfere with image quality if close to the area being scanned include:
- Plates, pins, screws, or metal mesh used to repair a bone or joint
- Joint replacement or prosthesis
- Metal jewelry including those used for body piercing
Some tattoos or tattooed eyeliner (these alter MR images, and there is a chance of skin irritation or swelling; black and blue pigments are the most troublesome)
You will be asked to change into the attire provided and remove all jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures. We provide a secure place to store these items during your scan.
You will be escorted into the scan room by the MR technologist and asked to sit in an ergonomically designed chair that will be moved towards the magnet. Your Technologist will make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Only your arm or leg goes in the doughnut shaped magnet. This open concept prevents patients from feeling claustrophobic. Your affected limb will be immobilized within the scanner and you will be asked to remain perfectly still while the imaging takes place, Patient motion can degrade images and the quality of the scan. You won’t feel anything during the scan but you will hear a faint humming, clicking and knocking sounds from the equipment. Some scanners require ear protection when operating but our ONI MRI is very quiet.
The technologist will not be in the room during the procedure but will be able to speak to you, hear you, and observe you at all times. You will be able to communicate through a screened window Consult the technologist if you have any questions concerns.
Most scans will take 45 minutes.
Post examination Information
After the scan, you have no restrictions and can go about your normal activities.
Once your images have been reviewed, your personal physician will receive a report of the findings. Your physician then will advise you of the results and discuss what further procedures, if any, are needed.
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