What to Expect With MRI Exam Before MRI-Guided Knee Implant
By Beth White RT (R)(MR),
Director of Specialty Imaging
Your orthopedic physician will determine whether or not you are a candidate for the custom-fit knee procedure. Once the decision is made you will be screened and scheduled for your MRI exam.
At the exam, you will enter the MRI department, change clothing and be asked about the history of your pain and timing of your surgery. We'll review the screening to assure you do not have any contra-indicated implants.
The entire MRI exam will take about 45 minutes, due to the extensive 3D-reconstructed imaging required to build the implant. During the first part of the exam, the patient's knee will be place in a coil -- a device that aids in the creation of the MR images. It is imperative for the patient to stay very still during the entire procedure.
The next part of the exam requires the patient to stay in the same coil and location (the patient's head will remain out of the scanner). This part will take approximately 15 to 18 minutes.
In the last part of the MRI exam, the patient will be brought out of the MRI unit and the coil removed. Next, the patient's feet will be immobilized and the patient will return to the same position for about two minutes. Following that, the patient will be notified and the table will move out of the scanner to the ankle position for about two minutes. Finally, the table and patient will be moved into the scanner to evaluate the hips for approximately two minutes. When complete, the technologist will enter the room and remove the patient from the scanner.
Throughout the entire exam, the imaging professional will be in constant contact, visually and verbally, with the patient. Once the procedure is complete, the images will be sent to the appropriate specialist. There, the images will be placed into a computerized algorithm and patient-specific cutting guides will be created, and the appropriate hardware selected.
The use of 3D imaging allows for better alignment and longevity of the joint replacement. With these types of knee replacements, the patient is sedated for shorter periods of time, experiences less blood loss and enjoys a faster recovery period than with traditional knee replacements.
If you have any further questions about what to expect prior to your MRI, please review our Frequently Asked Questions page. You may also call our office at 330.758.0577 ext. 1442.
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