Leg MRI scan

You will be asked to wear a hospital gown or clothes without metal zippers or snaps (such as sweatpants and a t-shirt). Make sure you take off your watch, jewelry and wallet. MRI can pull on any metallic objects. Some types of metal can cause blurry images. You will lie on a narrow table that slides into a tunnel-like…

You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before the scan. Tell your health care provider if you are afraid of closed spaces (have claustrophobia). You may be given a medicine to help you feel sleepy and less anxious. Your provider may suggest an "open" MRI, in which the machine is not as close to…

An MRI exam causes no pain. You will need to lie still. Too much movement can blur MRI images and cause errors. The table may be hard or cold, but you can ask for a blanket or pillow. The machine makes loud thumping and humming noises when turned on. You can wear ear plugs to help block out the noise. An intercom in…

This test provides detailed pictures of parts of the leg that are hard to see clearly on CT scans. Your provider may order an MRI of the leg if you have: A mass that can be felt on a physical exam An abnormal finding on an x-ray or bone scan Birth defects of the leg, ankle, or foot Bone pain and fever Broken bone…

A normal result means your leg has no identified problems.

Abnormal results may be due to: Degenerative changes due to age Abscess Achilles tendonitis Arthritis Broken bone or fracture Infection in the bone Ligament, tendon, or cartilage injury Muscle damage Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) Plantar fascia rupture (See: Plantar fasciitis ) Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction…

MRI uses no radiation. There have been no reported side effects from the magnetic fields and radio waves. It is also safe to have MRI performed during pregnancy. No side effects or complications have been proven. The most common type of contrast (dye) used is gadolinium. It is very safe. Allergic reactions are rare.…

Tests that may be done instead of an MRI include: Bone scan CT scan of the leg Positron emission tomography (PET) scan X-ray of the leg A CT scan may be preferred in an emergency. The test is faster than MRI and often available in the emergency room.

Kadakia AR, Aiyer AA. Imaging of the foot and ankle. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 112. Kapoor G, Toms AP. Current status of imaging of the musculoskeletal system. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM,…