Musculoskeletal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging procedure that provides high-quality images of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and cartilage. This examination is highly accurate, and can investigate conditions such as tendon and ligament tears, meniscal tear, subtle fracture, bone tumor or musculoskeletal infection.

A Musculoskeletal MRI can be conducted on any part of the musculoskeletal system, but is most commonly conducted on the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, elbow and wrist joints.

MRI has become a preferred imaging method across many specialties due to its ability to create detailed images without exposing patients to radiation. The procedure is painless and noninvasive, with no known lasting side effects.

MRI of the musculoskeletal system is highly accurate for diagnosing the cause of bone/joint pain or other symptoms and is helpful to your doctor in confirming their diagnosis and deciding on the best management and treatment.

Your medical provider may recommend a Musculoskeletal MRI in order evaluate:

• joint disorders such as degenerative arthritis
• tears of the menisci, ligaments and tendons (knee) or rotator cuff (shoulder) and labrum (shoulder or hip)
• fractures (in selected patients)
• spinal disk abnormalities (such as a herniated disk)
• the integrity of the spinal cord after trauma
• sports-related injuries and work-related disorders caused by repeated strain, vibration or forceful impact
• infections (such as osteomyelitis)
• tumors (primary tumors and metastases) involving soft tissues around the joints and extremities (such as muscles, bones and joints)
• pain, swelling or bleeding in the tissues in and around the joints and extremities.

A Musculoskeletal MRI is designed to evaluate joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones. The exact positioning will depend on the area being examined — such as a knee, shoulder, hip, or ankle — and a specialized coil may be placed around that body part to enhance image clarity.

The exam is comfortable and does not involve pain, but staying still is essential to produce accurate images. While the scanner is running, you will hear a series of mechanical clicking or knocking sounds. Earplugs or headphones are typically provided to reduce noise and improve comfort.

If your physician requests additional detail, a contrast agent may be administered through a small IV. This helps highlight inflammation, tears, or subtle structural abnormalities. The length of a Musculoskeletal MRI varies slightly depending on the joint or region being studied, but most exams take about 30 to 45 minutes.