Indications for MRI of the foot and ankle

Magnetic resonance imaging of the feet allows you to assess the condition of this area in as much detail as possible. The technique does an excellent job of visualizing both bone and soft tissues.

In case of autoimmune diseases, it is advisable to examine the toes in addition to the feet, since the pathological process often spreads to them. The procedure itself is safe and has a minimal number of contraindications (only a few of which are absolute).

What does an MRI of the foot show?

Magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle can visualize the soft and hard tissues of this area quite well. From the image you can assess the condition of muscle, bone, cartilage, nervous and vascular tissues.

Magnetic resonance imaging helps to identify diseases of various profiles: neurological, infectious, rheumatological, traumatic and hematological. MRI is done in cases where other methods have not given the desired result, or are simply not intended to detect a specific disease.

MRI monitoring is often used. The essence of the method: the patient undergoes a series of images over a period of time? to monitor the progression of the disease. As a result, MRI shows over time the effectiveness of treatment and the patient’s body’s response to therapy.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the foot

An analogue of magnetic resonance imaging is computed tomography.
But she is more specialized in the study of bone tissue. A CT scan can easily show the condition of the bone, and in 3D or 4D mode (that is, a comprehensive analysis of the segment is possible). to menu ↑

For what symptoms is it prescribed?

Magnetic resonance imaging of the foot can be done for a number of different symptoms: the technique can detect a large number of diseases. However, doing an MRI without a doctor’s prescription, simply on your own initiative (even if there are symptoms), is not recommended, due to the relatively high cost of the procedure.

The procedure is performed for the following symptoms:

1. Painful sensations of a chronic or acute type, discomfort (such as a burning sensation or numbness in the feet).
2. Stiffness in foot movements (partial or complete immobilization).
3. Pain on palpation of the foot and nearby areas.
4. Decreased range of motion (freedom of movement) of the foot.
5. Swelling of the foot or joint, acute inflammatory phenomena (may manifest as redness, heat on palpation).
6. Crunching in the ankle joint when moving (especially when walking).
7. Unsteadiness of gait, clubfoot.
8. Sensation (objective or subjective) of shortening of one limb.
9. Capillaritis, petechiae or purpura on the lower extremities (MRI is performed to exclude rheumatological diseases).

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What diseases and injuries can it identify?

Diagnostics using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner with high power (more than 1.5 Tesla) allows you to identify diseases as accurately as possible. For the most part, diseases of the musculoskeletal system are detected, but vascular or infectious pathologies may be detected.

MRI ankle

Magnetic resonance imaging can show the following diseases:

• arthrosis and arthritis (of almost any etiology, including psoriatic);
• aseptic necrosis of bone tissue;
• traumatic damage to tendons, cartilage, articular and ligamentous tissue;
• fractures and cracks of bones, joint capsule;
• malignant and benign neoplasms in the ankle area;
• anomalies and defects in the development of joints and bones;
• foreign bodies localized in the ankle area;
• circulatory disorders of the foot and the causes of this condition (occlusion, vascular compression);
• various inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies;
• bruises of soft and hard tissues, dislocation or subluxation of the ankle joint;
• heel spur (aka plantar fasciitis);
• Morton's neuroma (benign growth of tissue around nerve ganglia);
• metatarsalgia (severe pain and discomfort due to physical overload).

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Contraindications for

Magnetic resonance imaging has a minimal number of contraindications. Although specifically when diagnosing the ankle area, there are no absolute contraindications to the procedure: since not the entire body is examined, but specifically one area.

Possible contraindications to the procedure:

1. The presence of electronic, magnetic or mechanical cardiac implants (pacemaker, pacemaker).
2. Non-titanium clamps (clips) for stopping intracranial aneurysms or vascular malformations.
3. A relative contraindication may be pregnancy or breastfeeding (lactation).
4. Metallic foreign bodies (primarily in the area being examined, but foreign bodies in the eyes or face may be a contraindication).
5. Violence, restlessness or aggression of the patient, mental disorders (if his behavior does not allow the procedure to be carried out).
6. The patient is intoxicated.
7. Fear of closed spaces (claustrophobia) - requires the procedure to be performed on a special open tomograph.
8. Severe general condition (cachexia, fever with body temperature over 39 degrees).

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How is an MRI of the foot done?

The procedure does not require preparation and is carried out immediately upon arrival at the clinic. The only caveat: you must not neglect hygiene procedures.

The patient's limb is placed in the CT scanner, while the rest of the body remains outside. After this, the device turns on.

MRI of the foot with stress test

The MRI scanner can produce a lot of noise, so the patient may be given earplugs (some clinics provide headphones rather than earplugs).

Medical personnel are located in the next room, from where the patient’s condition is monitored. The procedure lasts from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on what kind of disease needs to be identified.

After the procedure, the patient can be free immediately.
The diagnostic result is ready in about an hour. The diagnosis is made by the attending physician, who must analyze the data obtained. to menu ↑

Where is it made and how much does it cost?

Magnetic resonance imaging is usually not performed in clinics, since such equipment is not available there. Exceptions include some large public clinics, usually located in capital cities. Most often, the equipment in them is low-power.

How much the procedure costs depends on where it is performed. The cost of a magnetic resonance examination of the foot is on average 6,000 rubles. The cost of MRI of the ankle joint (in isolation) is 5000-5300 rubles. This cost is relevant for private clinics.

State medical institutions usually carry out the procedure at 25-40% cheaper.
If you have a referral, you can undergo the procedure for free, but in this case you will have to wait in line (which can last for several weeks, or even months). to menu ↑

An MRI of the ankle (video)

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How often can I do it?

Magnetic resonance imaging has no restrictions on the number of examinations performed . Unlike computed tomography, MRI does not create ionizing radiation, therefore it is absolutely safe for health (for adult patients, children, and pregnant women)

If necessary, the procedure can be performed daily for several weeks. However, this is usually not required, and the diagnosis is carried out several times during the treatment.

Source: https://osankino.ru/diagnostika/mrt-stopy-golenostopnogo-sustava.html

MRI ankle

Unlike computer tomography (CT), which is aimed at assessing the condition of bone tissue, MRI of the ankle joint examines in detail the ligamentous complex of the joint, cartilage and muscle tissue, and subcutaneous tissue. This examination provides for analysis the most accurate indicators of the condition of the joints of the bones of the foot and leg, as well as any anatomical and pathological changes in this area of ​​the body.

Ankle pathologies identified by MRI

Magnetic resonance examination of the ankle joint is prescribed if it is impossible to differentiate the disease by other diagnostic methods, as well as in the absence of positive results from ongoing therapy.

The main abnormal changes in the articular apparatus that MRI shows are the following:

• violation of anatomical integrity and organic functions as a result of mechanical external damage. This category includes: damage to tendon fibers, complex fractures of the bones of the intra-articular capsule, hemarthrosis (bleeding into the joint cavity due to injury), inflammatory processes in the interarticular space;
• destructive-dystrophic joint changes resulting from damage to cartilage tissue (arthrosis);
• inflammatory diseases of the joints – arthritis of various types (rheumatoid, gouty, traumatic, osteoarthritis);
• assessment of the state of intra-articular lubricant filling the joint cavity;
• the degree of accumulation of uric acid salts in the joints;
• neoplasms of benign and cancerous origin in any, even the earliest period of development;
• purulent infection of the bones and near the bone space (osteomyelitis);
• complications of joint diseases (articular sclerosis);
• osteochondritis dissecans of the talus (Diaz disease);
• impaired blood supply to bone tissue (aseptic necrosis);
• degenerative changes in tendons (tendinosis);
• inflammatory processes of the muscular system;
• inflammatory processes with suppuration of cellular spaces (abscess, phlegmon).

Due to the lack of MRI results of the ankle joint, many of the listed diseases are detected late or incorrectly identified. As a result, the patient experiences chronic joint pain, bone deformation, dysfunction of the feet, even disability.

Often, examination shows that immediate surgical intervention is inevitable. This allows you to save the patient’s health and life.

Immediately before the tomography, the subject needs to get rid of metal jewelry (including piercings). Take a position on the device and fix your feet, according to the instructions of a medical specialist.

On the left – a healthy ankle, on the right – with a pathology of one of the tarsal bones, which forms the lower part of the ankle joint

If an MRI with contrast agent is scheduled, the patient should fast for five hours before the procedure.

Therapeutic and diagnostic arthroscopy

This method is used to clearly visualize the affected areas, which appear in bright colors on the computer image. To conduct a contrast version of the study, the doctor must make an intravenous injection of a special non-toxic drug that contains gadolinium.

Magnetic resonance diagnostics with contrast is not prescribed for allergy sufferers, nursing mothers and women during pregnancy. The time range for the examination is from 30 minutes to one hour (if contrast is used), depending on the degree of abnormal changes in the ankle.

Appointment of an ankle examination

The main indications for MRI of the ankle include suspected neoplasms of a malignant or benign nature in bone and soft tissues, functional disorders of motor activity, chronic pain in the joints, inflammation of the ankle of any etiology, frequent displacement of the ankle (dislocations).

The list of indications continues with external injuries to the ankle area, pathologies of a natural nature (congenital), numbness and swelling of the joint for no apparent reason, and control of therapy for one of the diseases. An MRI of the ankle is often performed in complex preparation for surgery.

Contraindications for examination with an MRI scanner

Despite the fact that the magnetic resonance imaging procedure is recognized as harmless, like most hardware examinations, it has several significant contraindications:

• the presence in the human body of foreign metal objects for medical purposes (pacemaker, intra-ear cochlear device, clips on blood vessels designed to stop bleeding, artificial joints, prostheses, dental and other pins, implants for any purpose);
• initial periods of bearing a child (first trimester);
• psychopathological instability of the person being examined.

For young children who are unable to remain still for a long period of time, an MRI of the ankle joint is provided using mild hypnotics. Provided there are no prohibitions on their use.

It is possible to use sedation during diagnostics

additional information

The patient receives the results of the examination within a short period of time in the form of a written report from a specialist and a computer disk with a three-dimensional image of the joint. Further treatment of identified abnormalities is carried out by an orthopedic surgeon or traumatologist.

Today, an MRI scanner is the most informative device for making a correct diagnosis. The prerogative aspects of the procedure also include painlessness and harmlessness.

Numerous clinics specializing in magnetic resonance imaging are open 24 hours a day for the convenience of patients.

The procedure cannot be called cheap; its price ranges from 4,000 to 8,000 rubles.

Source: https://apkhleb.ru/mrt/golenostopa

MRI of the ankle joint is the most informative method for injury

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The ankle joint plays a huge role in human movement.

For stability and maximum mobility, the joint is strengthened by ligaments, which are located both on the outer and inner sides, as well as at the junction of the tibia. During any type of movement, these ligaments take on the main stress.

The more a person weighs and the more he plays sports, the correspondingly greater the load on the ankle joint and its connective tissues.

This information will allow the attending physician to choose the optimal treatment and rehabilitation plan for the patient. MRI of the ankle joint is the most comprehensive study for determining the nature of damage to all structures in various diseases or injuries.

MRI of the ankle for injuries

MRI of the ankle joint - anatomical background. arthrosis and arthritis

Also, discomfort and pain can occur in the presence of congenital anatomical prerequisites, which include accessory bones: scaphoid and triangular.

In the presence of an accessory scaphoid bone, pain occurs on the inside due to inflammatory changes in the tendon of the posterior tibial muscle or in the cartilaginous connection between the bones.

The presence of a triangular bone can cause the development of pinching of soft tissues during extension in the ankle joint and pain due to this in the posterior parts of the ankle joint.

The most accurate diagnosis is MRI of the ankle joint

Modern medicine makes it possible to determine with the maximum probability the nature of the injury based on the patient’s symptoms and complaints, but in order to understand the scale of the damage caused to the joint, the extent and extent of the damage, a quick, high-quality and most accurate diagnosis is required.

In addition to injuries, diseases of the ankle joint can be degenerative in nature, for example, arthritis and arthrosis.
Whatever the nature of the damage or inflammation of the joint tissue, in any case an accurate and high-tech examination is required, which will help the attending physician confirm the suspected diagnosis and formulate an effective treatment program.

Today, there are various types of diagnosis of ankle joint diseases and each of them is aimed at one or another type of damage. For example, to detect a bone fracture, X-rays are most often used, to study the condition of blood vessels and soft tissues - ultrasound, etc. However, the most complete and comprehensive examination is an MRI of the ankle joint.

This type of research allows us to identify absolutely any pathology, regardless of the nature of the damage.

Benefits of MRI of the ankle

The high degree of visualization of an MRI scanner allows you to detect even the smallest damage and ruptures of ligaments, muscles, tendons, as well as identify damage to bone tissue, for example, fractures.

In the case of overload changes in bone tissue, a so-called stress fracture can form, which is not visible when performing a conventional x-ray or even computed tomography. Only MRI of the ankle joint can detect such pathological changes in bone tissue.

This technique is especially effective for the most complex diagnoses and combined injuries, when the initial examination of the attending physician does not allow the most accurate determination of the cause of concern.

MRI of the ankle joint in some cases may be the only method for identifying many diseases and, as always, it is better to identify any disease in the initial stages and prescribe adequate, competent treatment than to treat the disease if its manifestation is already quite significant.

So, the indications for MRI of the foot joints are:

• injuries of a traumatic nature (sports and household injuries of bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage);
• degenerative damage (arthrosis, arthritis);
• inflammation, infection and tumors;
• necrosis;
• congenital anomalies
• pathologies of an unclear nature, accompanied by a large number of symptoms, which does not allow one to unambiguously determine the cause of the damage;
• examination of the joint for surgical intervention or monitoring the results of recovery after surgery.

Cost of MRI of the ankle joint in St. Petersburg at the SIMED clinic:

By using the online registration form you can get a 25% discount on the study.

In the specialized MRI center SIMED on Ladozhskaya you can get an MRI of the ankle joint quickly and efficiently. Qualified radiologists can help identify the causes of concern and the nature of the damage so that your healthcare provider can make a correct diagnosis.

You can receive the results of the study in any of the ways convenient for you within 1 hour after completion of the tomography - in printed form, on electronic media or by e-mail. Qualified specialists will prepare an expert opinion for you, which will form the basis of your treatment program.

To make a reservation, please call +7(812)414-98-53 or use the online registration form or feedback form.

How is it performed and how to prepare for an MRI procedure of the ankle joint of the foot

MRI is an absolutely safe and simplest examination procedure for the patient. If necessary, for example, to track the treatment process, it can be repeated an unlimited number of times without fear for your health.

Using an MRI scanner, it is possible to identify, to the maximum degree of visualization, any type of pathology, inflammation and disorder of the ankle joint, including the detection of subchondral cysts and tumors, determining their location and size.

How is an ankle MRI performed?

The procedure is carried out in a horizontal position with the patient on a special retractable table, which is pushed into the MRI scanner tunnel before scanning begins. The patient should be in a state of complete rest and motionless.

If maximum visualization of detected disorders is necessary, contrast is often used, which, when introduced into the body, “highlights” individual areas, thereby making it possible to most clearly see the size and nature of the damage.
No preliminary preparation is required for an MRI session.

Before the procedure, the patient must empty his pockets and under no circumstances take any metal objects with him into the tomograph. If it is necessary to administer a contrast agent, the patient is advised to limit food intake 3-4 hours before the procedure.

The duration of the session is from 15 to 30 minutes, in the case of administration of a contrast agent - up to 40 minutes.

Contraindications for MRI of the ankle joint

Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the safest and most modern research methods, however, even this type of diagnosis has some contraindications that every patient must be familiar with before doing an MRI of the ankle joint, as well as other organs and systems of the body.

As mentioned above, the presence of any metal objects and devices is an absolute contraindication for this procedure. Patients who have even small metal objects or particles (fragments) on or inside their body are not allowed to undergo MRI.

Among these are carriers of pacemakers, metal braces, prostheses, implants (except titanium), insulin pumps and other metal objects. It is also important to know that tattoos on the human body can also contain very small metal particles.

Under the influence of an MRI scanner, they can all heat up and move, causing pain in patients.

MRI is not recommended for pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Do you need a consultation?

If you need to have an MRI of the ankle joint in St. Petersburg, you can get qualified diagnostic assistance at the specialized MRI center "SIMED".

A professional team of specialists will help identify the causes of your anxiety, determine the nature of the injury, its consequences, as well as the presence of pathological and degenerative disorders.

You can contact the center, both with and without a referral from your attending physician.

You can find out all the necessary information and get answers to questions about MRI of the ankle joint, the price of MRI in St. Petersburg, from our consultants by phone or in person.

Source: https://siemed.org/mrt-golenostopnogo-sustava/

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the ankle

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the ankle provides high-quality imaging of the structures of the ankle, which helps doctors diagnose a wide range of diseases and conditions.

Patients who have ankle pain may be referred for an MRI scan. Most often, an MRI examination of the ankle joint is prescribed to diagnose injuries to the bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage of the ankle joint.

Imaging using MRI can also diagnose tumors, arthritis, and joint infections.

Various tendons and ligaments in the ankle, including the Achilles tendon, provide flexibility and range of motion to the joint. Forceful movement of the ankle in an awkward position, outside of the typical range of motion, can cause damage to the ankle tendons and ligaments.

MRI of the ankle can detect both tears and complete ruptures of ligaments and tendons. For most ankle tendon and ligament injuries, MRI is the most informative and reliable diagnostic method.

Thinning and changes in the structure of the cartilage tissue of the ankle joint of an involutional degenerative nature are also well visualized using MRI of the ankle. The bones of the ankle (including the talus and calcaneus) and the bones of the foot are clearly visible on MRI of the ankle and allow one to determine the presence of fractures.

MRI of the ankle also allows you to determine the presence of bone bruises, the presence of dislocations or manifestations of osteoarthritis. In addition, an MRI of the ankle provides good information about the presence of tumors and blood accumulation in the soft tissues around or inside the ankle joint.

MRI of the ankle can also evaluate the condition of the distal tibial or fibular tissue, as well as the muscles of the foot. The introduction of contrast allows for more detailed visualization of the structures of the ankle and identification of small morphological changes.

Main indications for MRI of the ankle:

1. Tendon injuries
2. Ligament injuries
3. Cartilage injuries
4. Fractures
5. Tumors (soft tissue and bones)
6. Infections
7. Aseptic necrosis
8. Pseudarthrosis or unconsolidated fractures
9. Arthritis, arthrosis
10. Tendonitis, tendinosis
11. Presence of a tumor in the joint area
12. Presence of pathology on radiography
13. Congenital anomalies
14. Pain, swelling, redness in the ankle area
15. Decreased range of motion in the joint
16. Unclear genesis of pain in the ankle joint
17. Preparation for surgical treatment

Preparing for an ankle MRI procedure

The patient can use special disposable clothing or wear his own clothing during the procedure if it is loose and does not have metal fittings.

Eating during an MRI of the ankle is not regulated, but it is better to refrain from eating several hours before the examination if an examination with contrast is planned. If contrast administration is planned, the MRI technician will need information about the presence of an allergy to the contrast agent or bronchial asthma.

The contrast agent most commonly used for MRI studies contains a metallic substance (gadolinium).

If MRI of the spine is performed on women, then information about the presence of pregnancy is required. And although long-term studies have not shown any harmful effects on the fetus, MRI is not recommended for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester.

Carrying out MRI with contrast is possible only in exceptional cases, according to clinical indications. If claustrophobia is present, MRI examinations are recommended to be performed using open-type machines. During an MRI examination, young children require sedation so that the child can lie still during the examination. Sedation is performed by an anesthesiologist.

All objects containing metal must be removed before MRI is performed. These are items such as:

1. Jewelry, watches, credit cards and hearing aids that may be damaged
2. Pins, hairpins, metal zippers and similar metal objects that may distort the MRI image
3. Removable dentures containing metal
4. Pens, pocket knives and glasses
5. Body piercing

MRI is contraindicated if the patient has implants or implanted electronic devices:

1. Cochlear implants
2. Some types of clips used on cerebral aneurysms
3. Some types of metal coils placed within blood vessels (stents)
4. Artificial heart valves
5. Implanted infusion pumps
6. Implanted electronic devices, including defibrillator, pacemaker
7. Joint endoprostheses (with metal content)
8. Implanted nerve stimulators
9. Metal pins, screws, plates, stents, or surgical staples
10. Metal parts in the human body (such as bullets or shrapnel), as a strong magnetic field can cause metal objects to dislodge and damage tissue. And therefore, in such cases, it is necessary to conduct radiography before the MRI examination.

Parents accompanying children must also remove all metal objects and report the presence of objects containing metal in the body.

Procedure for performing MRI of the ankle joint

A traditional MRI machine (closed type) is a large cylindrical tube surrounded by a magnet. During the examination, the patient lies on a movable table, which moves to the center of the magnet. There are also open-type MRI machines, where the magnet does not completely surround the patient, but is open on the sides.

Studies on open-type devices (and they are predominantly low-field) are useful for studying patients with claustrophobia or heavy weight.

Recently, open-type devices with a high field (1 or more Tesla) have appeared, which allow obtaining high-quality images, in contrast to the main models of open MRI, where the magnetic field is low and the image is of lower quality.

When performing an MRI of the ankle, a coil is placed on the ankle joint. During the procedure, the patient must lie still for a certain time (on average 30-40 minutes). When studying with contrast, the duration of the study will be longer.

The MRI procedure is completely painless and, however, some patients may experience a feeling of warmth in the area where the study is performed, which is a normal tissue reaction to the magnetic field.

Typically, the patient is alone in the MRI room during the examination, but there is two-way audio communication between the radiologist and the patient and the doctor can see the patient.

After undergoing an MRI procedure, the patient does not need time to adapt.

Recently, it has become possible to perform MRI of the ankle joint using small-sized devices, in which only the joint is examined and the whole body is not in a magnetic field, especially since in such devices the magnetic field is quite powerful and allows one to obtain a high-quality image.

Benefits and Risks

Advantages

1. MRI is a non-invasive imaging method that does not use ionizing radiation.
2. MRI is a very valuable method for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including diseases and injuries of tendons, ligaments, muscles, cartilage and bone pathologies.

3. MRI can help determine which ankle injury patients require surgical treatment.
4. An MRI can help diagnose a bone fracture when X-rays and other imaging methods are unable to confirm the diagnosis.

5. MRI can detect abnormalities that may not be visible with other imaging techniques.

Risks

1. MRI poses almost no risk to the average patient when proper safety precautions are followed.
2. If sedation is used, there are risks of oversedation.

3. Although a strong magnetic field is not harmful in itself, implanted medical devices that contain metal may become damaged or malfunction during an MRI procedure.
4. There is a very small risk of an allergic reaction if contrast material is injected. Such reactions are usually mild and easily controlled with medication.

5. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is now a recognized, but rare, complication of contrast-enhanced MRI and is thought to result from the injection of high doses of gadolinium, which is the basis of the contrast agent, in patients with very poor renal function. Careful assessment of renal function prior to contrast administration minimizes the risk of this very serious complication.

6. Manufacturers of intravenous contrast recommend that breastfeeding mothers avoid breastfeeding for 24 to 48 hours after an MRI scan with contrast.

Limitations for MRI of the ankle

High image quality can only be obtained if the patient lies still during the examination.

If the patient is large, it is better to conduct the study using an open MRI.

MRI examination of the ankle joint is best performed on a high-field (closed-type) device, since the image quality is better than on low-field devices, especially if visualization of ligaments and tendons is necessary.

In some cases, when it is necessary to obtain a detailed image of bone tissue, MSCT can be performed, which visualizes bone tissue better than MRI.

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Source: http://xn--l1aig.xn--p1ai/mrt/mrt_golenostopnogo_sustava/

MRI of the ankle joint - what does it show and how much does it cost?

No one is immune from an ankle injury. If your leg swells and hurts, then a full diagnosis is required, which will allow you to prescribe the correct, timely treatment. An MRI of the ankle joint is prescribed in such situations. It is this study that allows us to find out the exact location of the source of the disease and the cause of the observed symptoms.

No one is immune from an ankle injury. If your leg swells and hurts, then a full diagnosis is required, which will allow you to prescribe the correct, timely treatment. An MRI of the ankle joint is prescribed in such situations. It is this study that allows us to find out the exact location of the source of the disease and the cause of the observed symptoms.

What are the advantages of the method?

The study has a number of advantages over other alternative methods that allow diagnosing any pathological conditions of the joint. Among them are:

1. High definition images. Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain the most accurate information with detailed images.
2. Evaluation of different types of fabrics. During the manipulation, the doctor has the opportunity to determine not only the condition of bones and soft tissues, but also the characteristics of blood flow. In complex injuries, this factor plays a big role.
3. Short duration of the procedure. Depending on the type of study and the use of contrast, the entire process lasts from 5 to 90 minutes.
4. Non-invasiveness of the method. During diagnosis using MRI of the ankle, the patient does not experience any discomfort or pain.

This procedure is most often prescribed by traumatologists and surgeons. It is indispensable in preparation for surgery.

Indications for research

There are a number of indications when a diagnostic procedure is necessary:

• benign or malignant neoplasms in the joint area;
• injuries: from fractures to ankle sprains;
• pain in the joint area;
• swelling of the area, accompanied by limited mobility;
• pinched nerve;
• pathologies of the ligamentous apparatus;
• arthritis, bursitis, arthrosis;
• poor circulation in the ankle area.

The scan allows you to look at small deviations or pathologies in the development of the ankle. Compared with radiography, MRI provides much more information, which makes it possible to accurately establish a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary therapy.

Important! Sometimes an MRI cannot be done, and therefore you should inform your doctor if there are any metal foreign objects in the body for medical purposes (from pins and coils to pacemakers and insulin pumps). In this case, alternative methods for diagnosing pathologies of the ankle joint are selected.

Contraindications for carrying out

Despite the safety of the study, the procedure still has contraindications. These include:

• pregnancy, lactation, if scanning with contrast is prescribed;
• early childhood;
• patient weight more than 120 kg for a closed-type device;
• allergy to gadolinium, contained in most contrast agents;
• renal failure.

In the case of children, everything is quite simple to explain. MRI gives accurate results only if the patient remains motionless throughout the entire examination. Most often it is not possible to do a scan with children, since they cannot lie still for a long time. If necessary, the child is given a sedative and examined during sleep.

There is another category of contraindications that makes MRI of the ankle joint impossible - the presence of implants or other devices with a metal base in the body:

• cochlear implants;
• certain types of clips that are used on a brain aneurysm;
• coils placed near blood vessels (called stents);
• infusion pumps;
• artificial heart valves;
• joint endoprostheses;
• electronic devices, such as pacemakers, defibrillators;
• screws, staples, pins, plates (devices for fixing bone fragments after a fracture);
• nerve stimulants;
• elements of a different type (metal fragments, bullets).

Don't Miss: Bunion

The magnetic field during an MRI of the foot leads to the movement of these objects and their loss of functional ability to carry out their work (in the case of devices). In the presence of metal parts, such displacement can lead to tissue injury. That is why in such cases, radiography is first performed.

Important! Parents who accompany their children to an MRI of the ankle are required to remove metal elements (clothing with accessories, jewelry, toys), and inform the diagnostician about the presence of the previously listed objects in the child’s body.

What does an ankle MRI show?

The foot, being only a small part of the leg, is represented by a rather complex structure, which contains 26 bones, a system of muscles, and ligaments. The small dimensions of these elements are not always accessible for X-ray examination, and therefore MRI of the foot is used for diagnosis.

This scan diagnoses pathological conditions such as:

1. Heel spur, plantar fasciitis. Inflammation caused by stretching of the fascia is easily detected by MRI of the ankle joint of the foot. One of the signs of chronic inflammation is a heel spur, which looks like a beak-shaped growth in the heel bone.
2. Oncological processes. When contrast is used, tumors are easily identified even at the initial stages. The type of tumor is also determined, whether it is benign or malignant. During the diagnostic process, the structures involved in the process and the possibility of surgical treatment in the future are identified.
3. Infectious diseases of soft and bone tissues. On MRI of the foot joints, abscesses appear as cavities with clear contours. This type of diagnosis makes it possible to determine not only the spread of the infectious process to soft tissues, but also the involvement of joints and bones in it. Scanning can also reveal bone destruction as a sign of osteomyelitis.
4. Bursitis, arthrosis, arthritis of the finger joints and metatarsal joints. An MRI of the foot reflects changes in them, deformation and the degree of development of the disease.
5. Flat feet. The stage and type of deformation of the metatarsal bone can be accurately determined only with this type of study.
6. Epiphysitis of the calcaneus, or Sever's disease. The pathology most often develops before the age of 15 years due to regular microtraumas of the heel bone. This leads to inflammation of this ossification, which appears on MRI of the foot.
7. Abnormal structure of the heel bone or fingers of the congenital type.
8. Diabetic foot. The second name of the pathology is angiopathy. Affects the fingers, metatarsal, tarsal part, heel bone. Pathology often leads to amputation, and therefore this scan often makes it possible to take timely measures and begin therapy that prevents the use of such radical methods of combating pathology.
9. Presence of non-metallic foreign bodies. Using MRI of the foot joints, it is possible to determine the location of the foreign body and surgical access to it.

The presented list does not include all diseases that require the use of the presented type of diagnosis. It is prescribed only by a surgeon, traumatologist or orthopedist if the x-ray does not give a complete picture.

Preparing to Scan

The patient does not require any special preparation for MRI of the foot.

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There are a number of restrictions and regulations that must be observed:

1. Absence of metal fittings on the body during scanning.
2. Abstain from food five hours before the procedure when prescribing a contrast type of study.
3. Allergy to the composition of the contrast agent must be reported.
4. A history of bronchial asthma and renal pathologies is reported.
5. For claustrophobia, tomography is performed in an open machine.
6. Objects that contain metal are eliminated: jewelry, watches, pins, hairpins, piercings, and so on.
7. In the case of children, sedation is required, which is performed by an anesthesiologist.

Before sedation (administration of a drug that puts the patient into a shallow sleep), consultation with a doctor is mandatory, as additional preparation measures may be required, for example, refusing to feed the child a couple of hours before the procedure.

How is the procedure performed?

MRI of the foot is based on the action of an electromagnetic field. The device captures hydrogen ions, transmitted by a reverse impulse, which are present in the tissues. Different tissues contain different amounts of element atoms. Accordingly, they are visualized on film by contrast.

In the case of the ankle, to carry out the procedure, the person is placed on the table of the device, after which a special magnetic sensor is fixed on the leg. The patient himself is fixed with special straps with bolsters. If required, a contrast agent is administered intravenously. When a person on the table is pushed into the MRI tunnel, the ring of the tomograph rotates around the area of ​​interest.

Photo decoding is usually done within an hour. Private clinics carry out MRI diagnostics of the ankle much faster, although their cost for performing the procedure and deciphering the data obtained is high.

The MRI machine has a built-in intercom. It allows the patient to communicate with the doctor conducting the diagnosis, and therefore, in case of any concerns or discomfort, there is an opportunity to inform the doctor about his condition.

Where is it done and how much does the procedure cost?

An MRI in public clinics, if done under compulsory medical insurance, will not cost the patient anything. But the problem is that this equipment is not present in every medical institution. Considering the importance of such a study, it is necessary to understand that in some cases you will have to contact private medical centers.

The price of an MRI of the ankle joint in such institutions is usually about 4.5 thousand rubles. But the cost often fluctuates in one direction or another depending on the specific establishment and region. Therefore, the patient himself has to decide whether he can afford the procedure for a fee.

MRI of the foot is a procedure that helps to quickly and fully diagnose serious pathologies, even at the stage of initial development, when external symptoms appear slightly. Often, scanning allows you to save a limb if treatment is started on time.

Considering that the procedure is non-invasive and does not require any special preparation, it can be easily performed at any time of the day. But before doing this, consult your doctor if there are any contraindications or associated risk factors that could affect the course of the study.

Source: https://diartroz.ru/diagnostika/mrt/mrt-golenostopnogo-sustava.html

Scandinavian Health Center

Service	Price
MRI of the ankle joint (one)	6000a

Unlike computed tomography (CT) or radiography, MRI provides high-quality visualization of both bone marrow and bone structures, as well as soft tissue, cartilage structures, ligaments, and even major nerve endings and blood vessels.

The advantages of magnetic resonance imaging are:

• safety, painless and non-invasive. The method is based on the use of a magnetic field that is harmless to the human body; the procedure has no dose restrictions and can be performed repeatedly;
• high information content. MRI scans are excellent for examining bone structures and soft tissues, which is especially important when diagnosing ankle injuries, which in most cases are tears and damage to the ligaments.

Indications for MRI of the ankle: indications

• injuries, including fractures, dislocations, sprains, etc.;
• arthritis, arthrosis, as well as diseases of soft tissues in the joint area;
• inflammatory processes, swelling of soft tissues and the presence of fluid in the joint cavity;
• pain syndrome and functional disorders of the joint;
• neoplasms of bones and soft tissues of the joint area;
• congenital anomalies of joint development;
• preparing for surgery or monitoring the patient’s recovery after surgery.

In certain cases, as a rule, if there is a suspicion of the development of a tumor in the area of ​​the joint or its structures, an MRI may be prescribed with intravenous administration of a contrast agent - a paramagnetic based on gadolinium salts, which provides contrast in the resulting images and detects pathological changes.

Procedure time: 20-25 minutes without the use of contrast and about 30-40 minutes with the use of a contrast agent. No special preparation is required to conduct the study. The patient must lie still during the examination.

When is magnetic resonance imaging contraindicated?

MRI scanning has absolute (conditions under which the procedure is not performed under any circumstances) and relative contraindications (scanning is carried out at the discretion of the attending physician, taking into account certain factors).

Absolute contraindications include:

• first trimester of pregnancy;
• the presence of metal objects, implants and other electronic devices in the patient’s body made using magnetic materials;
• allergic reaction to the injected substance and renal failure during scanning with contrast;
• severe general somatic condition of the patient.

Relative contraindications are:

• the presence of medical implants in the patient’s body that are not made of magnetic materials;
• claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces);
• the patient’s inability to lie still (the study is possible while the patient is in medicated sleep).

The accuracy of diagnosis depends both on the experience of the specialist and on the functionality of the equipment with which the study is performed.

The MRI department of the Scandinavian Health Center employs only highly qualified radiologists with many years of experience. The study is carried out on a modern tomograph from Siemens MAGNETOM Aera, whose power is 1.5 Tesla.

This equipment is a system equipped with advanced technologies (Tim 4G and Dot) that provide solutions to diagnostic problems of any level of complexity. The highest quality images are ensured by a specialized coil for examining the ankle and foot.

Source: https://www.SCZ.ru/diagnostics/magnitno-rezonansnaya-tomografiya/mrt-golenostopnogo-sustava/