Dr. Abene’s MRI handout

What is an MRI? MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a modern diagnostic imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images of your body. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, MRI works without radiation. The MRI tool uses magnetic fields and a sophisticated computer to take high-resolution pictures of your bones and soft tissues. Let us know if you have implants, metal clips or other metal objects in your body before you undergo an MRI scan as these can affect the quality and may even be a contraindication to the test. You lie as motionless as possible on a table that slides into the tube-shaped MRI scanner. The MRI creates a magnetic field around you, then pulses radio waves to the area of your body to be pictured. The radio waves cause your tissues to resonate. A computer records the rate at which your body's various parts (tendons, ligaments, nerves, etc.) give off these vibrations, and translates the data into a detailed, two-dimensional picture. You won't feel any pain while undergoing an MRI, but the machine may be noisy. An MRI may help to diagnose your torn knee ligaments and cartilage, torn rotator cuffs, herniated disks, hip and pelvic problems and other problems. An MRI may take 30-90 minutes. When will I get my MRI? Unfortunately, we will not be able to get your MRI today as this is a study that needs to be scheduled with Radiology. I will order your study on the computer today. The order is reviewed in the Radiology department. They will then contact you to schedule your MRI. If you do not hear from them in 2-3 days you may contact them directly at 408-972-6780. Discussing MRI results over the telephone is like trying to describe a painting over the telephone and is suboptimal. My policy, therefore, is to discuss MRI results in person, so you will need a follow-up appointment approximately 5 days after your MRI. This delay gives the radiologist an opportunity to render an opinion on your scan prior to our appointment. Please call us right after you have scheduled your MRI so we can schedule your follow-up appointment. For more information you can visit my personal web site: www.permanente.net/doctor/anthonyabene. Be sure to check out the patient information section at my Academy web site. There is a link to this on my Kaiser Permanente home page.