Desert Orthopedic Center: Special Services

Imaging/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Comprehensive Spine Center
Surgery Center
Imaging/MRI
Worker's Compensation
Sports Medicine

Desert Orthopedic Center offers several diagnostic modalities to aide in the treatment of our patients. On site X-ray services are available plus Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Bone Density scanning (DEXA). MRI may be recommended to assist in diagnosis and treatment. The Bone Density department offers a complete diagnosis and evaluation of osteoporosis.

Your MRI Exam, Questions and Answers

What is MRI?
MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Another type of MRI is and MRA, Magnetic Response Angiography. MRI is an advanced technology that lets your doctor see internal organs, blood vessels, muscles, joints, tumors, areas of infection, and more – without x-rays, surgery or pain. MRI is very safe; in fact it makes use of natural forces and no known harmful effects. It’s important to know that MRI will not expose you to any radiation.

How does the MRI machine work?
The MRI machine creates a magnetic field, sends radio waves through your body, and then measures the response with a computer. This creates an image or picture of the inside of your body that is much clearer than can be obtained with most other methods.

Why an MRI?
MRIs can provide very early detection of many conditions, so treatment can be more effective. The excellent quality of MRI images can also provide the best possible information if surgery is required. If there is an abnormality, MRI can show exactly where it is, its size and whether or not it has spread.

How should I get ready for the exam?
In most cases, you can just stick with your normal, everyday routine – no special preparation is needed. You can eat and drink your usual diet, work or play sports (unless you have an injury!) – and take any prescription medications you need. However, there may be some circumstances in which you’ll be given specific instructions to follow before the exam. These will be given to you by your doctor, or by his/her representative.

Are there any restrictions with the exam?
Yes. Because the MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field, which will move objects made with iron or steel, let your doctor know if you have:

A pacemaker

Aneurism clips

Cochlear implants

A neuro-stimulator (Tens-unit)

Metal implants

Steel surgical staples or clips

An implanted drug infusion device

Any implant made partially or wholly of iron or steel

Also, is you are pregnant, let the doctor know.

Even metal objects not made of iron or steel can interfere with the exam – so don’t bring any of the following into the examination room (a secure place to store your valuables will be provided):

Coins

Jewelry

Watches

Keys

Dentures or partial plates

Hearing Aids

Magnetic waves can also erase the code on bank cards and credit cards, so don’t bring them to your exam.

Last of all, you may be asked to change into a patient gown.

Where is my MRI going to take place?
Desert Orthopedic Center’s MRI facility is located at 39-000 Bob Hope Drive on the Eisenhower Medical Center Campus in the Lakeview Building on the third floor. You will check in for the exam in the Spine Center.

May I bring someone to the exam with me?
Yes, although they will likely have to wait in the waiting room while the scan is being done. While you are in the MRI, you will be able to communicate with the technologist at anytime through an intercom system.

What is the exam actually like?
To begin the exam, you will lie down on the scan table. When the machine starts to work, you’ll hear some knocking sounds. These sounds occur whenever the MRI pictures are being taken. They are like clicks of a very large camera! We will provide you with headphones and music to make the experience more pleasant.

The exam is completely painless. The only thing you have to do is hold still. Just as when you take a picture with a camera, the subject must be still or the photograph will come out blurry. If you move, the scans will be out of focus and you may have to repeat the exam.

If necessary, you may be injected with a solution called a “contrast agent.” This allows the radiologist to see the image more clearly. MRI contrast agents typically have few or no side effects, and the injection likely will feel like a slight pinch.

How long does the scan take?
The exam can last from 15 minutes to an hour.

Will I feel any different after the exam?
You may just feel very well rested since you’ve been lying down and doing nothing, some people even fall asleep!