A knee MRI is a safe and painless procedure!
Since an MRI machine is huge and looks scary, most people wonder how far into the MRI machine one goes for the knee.
Several factors are responsible for this.
In this blog, we have addressed your queries and provided all there is to know about a knee MRI!
Let’s delve right in!
Why Do You Need A Knee MRI?
When evaluating the body’s major joints, such as the knee, MRI is typically the best option when combined with traditional X-rays!
Usually, the doctor carries out the examination to assess or diagnose:
- Weakness, oedema (a type of swelling), or bleeding in the tissues surrounding the knee joint.
- Injured meniscus (a piece of cartilage in the knee), ligaments, tendons, or cartilage.
- Sports-related injuries to the knee, include sprains and tears in tendons, cartilage, or ligaments.
- Bone fractures that might not show up on X-rays or other diagnostic images.
- Arthritis-related damage.
- Fluid accumulation in the knee joint.
- Illnesses like osteomyelitis (bone infection).
- Tumours affecting the bones and joints, including primary tumours and malignant growths.
- Dead bone.
- A sensation that the joint in your knee is giving away.
- Reduced range of motion in the knee.
- Kneecap discomfort or injury.
What To Expect During A Knee MRI?
The doctor will ask you to remove all jewellery and piercings and change into a hospital gown before your examination.
If your physician administers contrast dye, an IV will be inserted into your arm to provide the injection.
You will lie on a soft table to slip in and out of the machine. You might need straps or a cushion under your knee to keep your body motionless. This will enable the camera to get clear images of the region.
The technologist will instruct you on when to release your breath after you’ve entered the machine with your feet first.
While the machine operates, you can hear loud noises, but you won’t feel anything!
You will exit the machine and change into your normal clothes after the technologist has taken clear photos.
How Far Into MRI Machine for Knee Do You Go?
According to medical professionals, there are variations in the required distance to enter an MRI machine for knee imaging!
You will find here, in detail, about how far into the MRI machine one goes for the knee!
Your knee position and the type of MRI machine will determine how far into the scan you should go for your knee.
Types Of MRI Machines:
- Closed MRI Machines
These are the conventional models that resemble tubes.
Usually, only the lower body is inserted into the scanner for a knee MRI!
For the best photos, the table slides in feet first, and the knee is positioned in the middle of the magnetic field. Your head and upper chest are often kept outside the machine, which can lessen any pain or claustrophobia you may be experiencing.
The machine only encloses the lower body, namely the area between the thighs and the feet.
The head and upper torso are nearly always outside the machine. However, taller people may have a little more of their body within.
- Open MRI Machines
Designed with a larger entrance or with open sides, open MRI machines are less scary for patients who may experience anxiety in small areas.
You might not feel contained during a knee scan on an open MRI machine.
Your entire body need not be inside the tube!
The equipment may merely scan the particular area of the body being evaluated. This can make things more comfortable for claustrophobic people.
Open MRIs can yield slightly inferior image quality than closed MRIs, although, for knee scans, the quality is often sufficient for most diagnostic applications.
- Stand-Up or Upright MRI Machines
Certain MRI machines let patients stand or sit while the scan is done. This is useful in some situations, particularly for those who have trouble lying down or need to observe the joint in movement.
In this case, the entire body is kept outside the machine and only your knee or lower body is inside the magnetic field.
Therefore, particularly in closed MRI machines, you usually only enter the scanner partially for a knee MRI, with only the bottom portion of your body enclosed.
This procedure is more comfortable than full-body MRIs because your head and upper body remain outside.
Alternatives such as open or upright MRI machines are available if claustrophobia or comfort are concerns. The process is crucial for identifying knee ailments or injuries and is safe regardless of the type of machine used.
- Knee Positioning
Your knee position during an MRI scan matters for two reasons: it determines how deep into the machine you go and ensures accurate results from the knee examination!
Normally, you have to enter the machine with your feet first for a knee MRI exam!
This time, neither your brain nor your upper body is inside the tube; only your bottom body is.
The knee is frequently braced or cushioned with foam, padding, or other materials to reduce movement that can distort the pictures.
Throughout the process, these supports keep the leg straight and immobile!
Depending on the area of interest, you may have to bend your knee at a certain angle or slightly lift it.
For instance, the doctor may move the knee to get a better view if they need to inspect particular ligaments or cartilage.
You will have a specialised device around your knee called a “coil.”
The purpose of this coil is to detect signals from the body’s tissues in reaction to the magnetic field. This allows the doctor to take high-resolution pictures of the joint.
Because of its proximity to the knee, it guarantees that the pictures will be clear and focused on the relevant features, like bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
During the scan, it’s important to be as motionless as possible!
Beware!
Even small movements may have an impact on the image quality.
To guarantee the best outcomes, the MRI technologist will watch your position and make any required adjustments before beginning the scan.
Conclusion:
To sum up, how far into the MRI machine one goes for the knee depends on the type of MRI scanner and the knee positioning.
Don’t worry, the rest of the body will be safe from the radiation!
If your doctor has asked you to get a knee MRI, book your appointment at www.mrichandigarh.com today!
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