MRI FAQs

For more information on MRI, please visit the National Orthopedic Imaging Associates website.

What is an MRI?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The images are created by using radio waves to transmit electromagnetic signals in a strong magnetic field. Because an MRI scan gives clear pictures of soft tissue structures near and around bone, it is often used to diagnose sports-related injuries. Depending on your injury and disorder, MRI scans are essential for your physician to make proper diagnosis of any orthopedic-related conditions.

How should I prepare for my MRI exam?

When you arrive to Proliance Eastside MRI for your check in, you will be given an MRI Data Sheet to fill out. Before your exam, it is recommended you abstain from caffeine. You should also remove all hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses and hearing aids. A change of patient scrubs will be provided for you to wear during your exam. Please let the staff of Eastside MRI know if there is a possibility you are pregnant or if you have any foreign bodies, such as a pacemaker, aneurysm clip, surgical clip, heart stents, medical implant, etc.

What should I expect from my MRI exam?

Before your MRI exam begins, Eastside’s staff will position you onto a sliding table, which moves into the MRI system opening where the magnetic field is created. While MRI sequences are performed you will hear tapping or clicking sounds during the exam. This sound indicates the magnetic field gradient coils are being switched on / off to measure the MRI signal reflecting from your body. If you need to communicate with the MRI technologist at any time during the procedure there is an intercom for communication.

Your MRI exam should take somewhere between fifteen to forty-five minutes, depending on how many images are needed. Some detailed studies may take longer. MRI subjects will be asked to remain still while the imaging sequences take place. Each imaging sequence lasts for only a minute or two at a time.

Depending on the part of the body being examined, a contrast agent may be used to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. Eastside MRI’s technologist may use a small needle to inject the contrast agent into veins in the arm or hand.

What body parts can I have examined or studied?

Eastside Imaging / Evergreen Orthopedic Center provide imaging for the following joints, tissues and areas of the body:

  • Foot and Ankle
  • Brain
  • Chest
  • Elbow
  • Hand and Finger
  • Hip
  • Knee
  • Nasopharynx
  • Pelvis / Lower Abdomen
  • Shoulder
  • Spine
  • Wrist

ProOrtho Medical Specialties

Latest ProOrtho News

  • I need to work on my posture to prevent this pain

    Elevate Your Home Office Experience For Pain-Free Workdays

    Attention work-from-home and hybrid-work warriors! We get it—that relentless backache, the stiff neck, the sharp knee pain (where’d that come from?) and the overall feeling of being trapped in your own home office can be a real downer. But fear not, because here at ProOrtho we’ve got your back. Check out these simple tweaks to …

  • Osteoarthritis in Your 20s

    Osteoarthritis in Your 20s and 30s Is a Real Thing

    It’s time to break the age barrier on joint health, because osteoarthritis (OA) isn’t reserved for the golden years. And that’s not great news. In the dynamic realm of health, young adults can also find themselves face to face with OA, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies as the most common form …

  • Hikers Look At View of Snow Covered Pacific Northwest

    Enjoy Your Favorite Winter Sports Safely So You Can Always Come Back For More

    Here at ProOrtho, we know the happiest people during the slightly-less-than-fair-weather winter months of Western Washington tend to be those who: (a.) fly to warmer climates sometime before June, and/or  (b.) thoroughly enjoy winter snow sports. Sadly, we’re not here today to talk about tropically flavored poolside cocktails or the joys of beachcombing (maybe we …

Locations

Business Office

Surgery Center

MRI

Stay Connected

A Service of Proliance Surgeons


We’re a part of Proliance Surgeons, a team of independent, physician led care centers dedicated to providing exceptional outcomes, personally delivered.