MRI Review: What It Shows & How It Guides Treatment

Overview

MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves — not radiation — to create detailed cross-sectional images of joints and the spine. It is especially useful for evaluating soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscles, discs and nerves, which do not show up clearly on an X-ray.

An MRI review means the scan images are studied carefully by the orthopaedic specialist alongside your clinical examination, so the findings are explained in the context of your actual symptoms rather than in isolation.

Who It Is For

• Patients with suspected ligament tears (e.g., ACL, meniscus injuries of the knee)
• Chronic back or neck pain suspected to be disc-related
• Shoulder pain suspected to involve the rotator cuff
• Unexplained joint pain not clarified by X-ray
• Pre-surgical planning for arthroscopic or spine procedures

Preparation

Patients are asked to remove all metal objects, jewellery and electronic devices before the scan. It is essential to inform the doctor about any pacemaker, metal implant, cochlear implant or history of claustrophobia, as these can affect whether or how an MRI can be done.

How It Works

During the scan, the patient lies still on a table that moves into the MRI machine. The scanner takes detailed images in multiple planes without any radiation exposure. The images are then reviewed by the orthopaedic specialist along with your history and examination findings.

Procedure Steps

• Screening questionnaire for implants, metal or pregnancy
• Positioning on the scanning table, sometimes with a coil placed over the joint
• Scan performed while remaining still (noise from the machine is normal)
• Contrast dye used in some cases for additional detail (if advised)
• Detailed review of images with the orthopaedic specialist
• Discussion of findings and treatment plan

Conditions Diagnosed

• Ligament and tendon tears (e.g., ACL, rotator cuff)
• Meniscus and cartilage injuries
• Slipped or herniated intervertebral discs
• Nerve compression or spinal stenosis
• Avascular necrosis and stress fractures not visible on X-ray
• Soft-tissue tumours or infections (referred further if suspected)

Expected Outcomes

An MRI provides detailed information that helps confirm a diagnosis and plan treatment precisely, whether that involves physiotherapy, medication, injections or surgery. Not every MRI finding requires surgery — many are managed conservatively.

Cost Factors

MRI cost depends on the body part scanned, whether contrast is used, and the scanning centre. Call the clinic on 070303 11311 to confirm on-site availability before your visit. — the clinic can guide patients to a suitable imaging centre where needed.

Call the clinic on 070303 11311 for current pricing and insurance details.

Technology Used

MRI scanning uses magnetic and radio-wave technology rather than ionising radiation. Equipment details are confirmed by the clinic at the time of booking.

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

• MRI findings reviewed in detail by Dr. Vishal Murkute, fellowship-trained in joint replacement and arthroscopy
• Findings correlated with your clinical examination, not read in isolation
• Clear explanation of what the scan means for your treatment options
• Call the clinic on 070303 11311 to confirm on-site availability before your visit.
• Convenient Kharadi location for patients across East Pune