Definition: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure is a non-invasive, painless medical test used to take images of certain structures inside the body. MRI uses powerful magnets along with radio frequency pulses to create visual images in "slices" of the human body. An MRI scan is able to distinguish the different types of tissues in the body, helping physicians identify injuries and disease.
MRI scans are most commonly used to study nerves, muscles, ligaments, bones, and other soft tissues in the body. Sports medicine physicians often rely on MRI scans to create detailed images that may pinpoint injuries to ligaments, discs, bones and tendons.
During the MRI procedure, a patient is placed on a bed that slides inside a narrow tube. Because the tube may feel quite confined, patients are asked if they suffer from claustrophobia prior to the procedure. Because the machine is loud during its operation, patients are given earplugs to wear. Depending upon the body part or parts being imaged, the MRI may take anywhere from ten to twenty minutes to complete.
Also Known As: nuclear magnetic resonance image (NMRI), MR exam
