Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Our state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners at both The Bone & Joint Center and Clifton Park locations are specifically designed to enhance your comfort while reducing the symptoms of claustrophobia. Both scanners are called the Hitachi Echelon Oval and have a very wide, roomy opening, making them unique to the Capital Region.
Our MRI is accredited by the American College of Radiology to ensure the highest standards, and our dedicated MRI staff remain available beyond traditional business hours for your convenience.
About the Echelon Oval
Designed specifically around the human body to give you space where you need it most, the Echelon Oval offers higher-quality images for reliable diagnostics without compromise to your comfort.
This state-of-the-art scanner offers the following benefits:
- Widest available scanner opening
- Advanced imaging for superior quality images
- Comfortable table
- Reduced anxiety
- Faster scanning times
Frequently Asked Questions
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizes a very powerful magnet and radio waves to generate images of the body. MRI is very useful and, unlike X-rays or CT scans, it does not use ionizing radiation. MRI creates very detailed, high-resolution images of the body's organs, joints, and soft-tissue structures.
MRI images at The Bone & Joint Center are interpreted by highly trained, specialized radiologists (providers who specialize in the use of medical imaging technologies to diagnose specific problems or diseases). The radiologist works in conjunction with your doctor to provide you with the best in patient care.
An MRI exam causes no pain and typically lasts about 25 minutes.
MRI exams are noisy. You will be provided with some form of ear protection, either headphones or earplugs, to help reduce the noise.
Use of the headphones allows for communication between the patient and the MRI technologist at all times throughout the exam. Small devices, called coils, may be placed around the part of your body to be studied. These devices help send and receive the radio waves and improve the quality of the images.
You will be asked about your medical history to ensure your safety throughout the MRI procedure. Patients with the following implants will need to inform the MRI technologist prior to the appointment:
- Pacemakers
- Aneurysm clips
- Hearing aids
- Electronic medical pumps and shunts
- Any other metallic implants
You may be asked to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, and any other metal objects that may interfere with the imaging.
No visitors will be allowed in the MRI exam room. Patients with young children must bring an adult to supervise the children during the exam.
You may keep your normal prescription medication routines. There are no food or drink restrictions for MRI exams performed at The Bone & Joint Center.
We will contact your insurance carrier to verify and obtain prior authorization as needed. Once your MRI is pre-authorized by your insurance carrier, we will call you to arrange a convenient date and time to schedule your study. This process can take 1 – 3 business days for most insurance companies. Workers' compensation authorizations can take up to 4 weeks.
Our practice utilizes Albany Medical Radiology here at The Bone & Joint Center for arthrogram and other contrast studies. Radiologists from Community Care Physicians, P.C., specializing in orthopaedic MRI, are on-site and ready to read your study quickly and report back and confer with your doctor. Your doctor will then discuss the results of the study with you at your follow-up visit.
To learn more about our MRI services, please call The Bone & Joint Center at (518) 292-2669.