Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging to give it its full title relies on a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves to produce very detailed images of the inside of the body. Because it does not use x-rays it is considered to be very much less harmful than x-ray or CT scans.

Images are produced by lying inside a magnet for 30-60 minutes depending on the nature of your examination. These images are read by one of our dedicated Musculoskeletal Radiologists who are expert in the specialised area of orthopaedic, rheumatology and sports imaging. All are members of the British and European Skeletal Societies and most of the team are invited members of the International Skeletal Society. There are few other orthopaedic imaging groups like this in the UK

MRI can be carried out on different strength machines. The standard MRI strength throughout the country is 1.5 T. In addition our unit uses a higher strength 3T magnet which produces higher resolution images particularly suitable for examination of smaller areas such as joints.