Standing MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non invasive procedure used by radiologist to view the different parts of the body in an in-depth way. MRI used magnetism and radio frequency to display 3 dimensional images of body parts with accuracy. The MRI procedure is painless and there are no known side effects, either short or long term. It does not use ionizing radiation like X-rays. As technology advances different forms of MRI are invented such as Open MRI and Standing MRI.

Standing MRI is a revolutionary invention suitable for children, patients who are claustrophobic, overweight, and patients who are not able to lie down due to pain etc. This procedure is simple and uncomplicated; patients can be scan in the position where they experience the problem such as sitting, bending, standing, leaning, and laying.

This procedure is commonly used to study nerves, joints, muscle, tendons, bones, and soft tissues of the body in a weight bearing state. Standing MRI produce visual images in slices of the human body and this test is often indicated by sport medicine doctors to pinpoint injuries especially for athletes.

Standing MRI is best used with the following condition: The technologist will ask series of question such as allergies etc, to ensure the safety of the procedure. He will also ask you to remove any metallic material (jewelries) as this may interfere with the procedure. It is best to tell your doctor if you have the following conditions: Your physician can decide or can give you an alternative procedure other than MRI.

With Standing MRI, Patients are position standing, sitting, leaning, laying down or bending depending on the body part that will be imaged. Hi Tech scanner has patient handling system that position the patient into the magnetic field in which the affected part will be scan. The scanner also has the ability to rotate patient to a vertical/horizontal position.. Patients who can’t tolerate conventional and open MRI may benefit with standing MRI. Sedation is no longer needed for claustrophobic patients thanks to this revolutionary scanner. After the technologist has completed the scans, he/she will look them over for clarity and precision before releasing the patient from the table.

What to Know Before the Procedure

There is little preparation for a scan so, unless told otherwise, the patient may follow their regular daily routine, diet, and medication administration. When the abdomen or pelvis is scanned, patients may be asked to restrict their food and fluid intake prior to the procedure. If a patient will be sedated for the procedure, it is advisable to have someone else drive at discharge. If contrast material is used, there is a potential for an allergic reaction which can be resolved immediately by attending personnel. The contrast material can be difficult for the kidneys to eliminate, therefore, patients with kidney disease need to alert the technologist. An MRI is contraindicated for pregnant women.

What to Know After the Procedure

Patients can leave the facility as soon as they feel comfortable and may resume normal activities immediately.

A radiologist reviews the images and prepares a report on his/her findings for the patient's doctor. This report and the images may be available through an internal network or the Internet which allows the referring doctor and the patient to look at them. A follow-up conversation between patient and doctor will involve treatment plans, medication, and/or surgery, as necessary.