Diagnosis Demystified | MRI Joint Injuries | Glen Wainen, MD
Dr. Glen Wainen is a highly skilled and board-certified orthopedic surgeon, specializing in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. He is dedicated to delivering quality patient care using advanced medical and surgical techniques at Advocare Skylands Orthopedics, where he serves patients in the Pompton Plains, Bedminster,... more
The Role of MRI in Diagnosing Joint Injuries
Joint pain can interfere with everything from work to exercise and simple daily activities. Fortunately, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an essential tool for accurately diagnosing the source of joint problems - helping doctors create personalized, effective treatment plans.
Joint Health
MRI is considered the gold standard for evaluating joint injuries. Unlike other imaging techniques, it produces highly detailed images of soft tissues, bones, ligaments, and cartilage—making it easier to identify even subtle joint damage.
How MRI Works
MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of your body. Unlike X-rays, which only show bone, MRI captures detailed views of muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and other soft tissues that are often involved in joint injuries.
Conditions Diagnosed
MRI can detect a wide range of joint conditions, including ligament tears, cartilage degeneration, tendonitis, inflammation, and hidden fractures. These insights give physicians the clarity they need to make accurate diagnoses and informed decisions about your care.
Your MRI Experience
Getting an MRI is straightforward. You’ll lie still inside a large, tube-like scanner while it takes images of your joint. The scan is painless and usually lasts 30–60 minutes. Afterward, a radiologist reviews the images to identify any problems.
MRI vs. X-Rays
While X-rays are ideal for showing bone fractures, they can’t detect soft tissue injuries. MRI excels in this area, offering in-depth views of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. This makes it particularly useful when other imaging tests come back inconclusive.
Benefits
MRI is non-invasive and doesn’t involve radiation exposure. Its accuracy leads to earlier diagnosis, which means faster, more targeted treatments and better outcomes—especially for athletes or individuals with recurring joint pain.
When to Consider an MRI
If you’ve been dealing with chronic joint pain, stiffness, or swelling—especially if your range of motion is affected—it may be time to consider an MRI. Speak with your physician to see if this advanced imaging option is right for you.
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