Extremity MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test that provides detailed images of your internal body parts. The extremity MRI is a unique imaging machine for extremities, including arms and legs. The team of board-certified emergency room physicians at St. Michael's Elite Hospital in Sugar Land, Texas, uses extremity MRIs to get a quick diagnosis and treatment plan for a medical emergency. Call or walk in for emergency care.

What is extremity MRI?

Extremity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging test for the extremities. The innovative imaging tool scans the hands, arms, feet, and legs. 

The traditional MRI is a tube-shaped machine. During the test, you lie on an exam table enclosed in the machine while it takes the necessary images. 

The machine may take images of any part of your body, such as your head or abdomen, but you need to be fully enclosed to get the pictures. Many people may feel claustrophobic during a traditional MRI.

When the team at St. Michael's Elite Hospital needs more detailed images of your extremities, they may request an extremity MRI. Unlike the traditional MRI, you only place your extremity into the machine. 

What conditions benefit from an extremity MRI?

Your emergency room physician at St. Michael's Elite Hospital may recommend an extremity MRI to diagnose or rule out conditions that affect your hands, arms, feet, or legs. 

An extremity MRI may help diagnose health conditions such as:

• Extremity fractures
• Degenerative joint disease
• Nerve damage
• Infections
• Tumors

The extremity MRI may also help diagnose issues related to your muscles, tendons, or ligaments. 

What can I expect during an extremity MRI?

St. Michael's Elite Hospital has an onsite radiology department that’s open 24 hours a day. The certified radiology technician reviews the details of your extremity MRI before starting the test.

During your MRI, you sit comfortably in the exam chair and put your arm or leg in the MRI tube. Your head and body remain outside the tube so there’s no feeling of claustrophobia. You need to remain still during the imaging test.

You may hear a clicking sound as the scanner generates the images, but no discomfort. Most extremity MRIs take about 30 minutes. 

What happens after an extremity MRI?

After your extremity MRI, the team takes you back to your private room while the radiologist reviews the images and generates a report. Your emergency room physician at St. Michael's Elite Hospital reviews the findings with you and provides the appropriate care.

St. Michael's Elite Hospital wants nothing more than to help you get the emergency room care you need quickly and comfortably. The extremity MRI allows the team to get you a diagnosis without having to send you to another facility. 

For emergency room care in a comfortable spa-like setting, call St. Michael's Elite Hospital. Walk-ins are welcome.