MRI of bone and bone marrow without contrast injection

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Dr. Pham Quoc Thanh - Radiologist - Radiology Department - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital
And Master, Doctor Tong Diu Huong - Radiologist - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

MRI is the ideal imaging tool for examining soft tissue and delicate, complex structures. The obtained MRI images have relatively high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of anatomical abnormalities. In which, MRI of bone and bone marrow without contrast injection is a typical example.

1. What is an MRI of bone and bone marrow without contrast?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is based on the principle of using a large magnet, radio frequency and computer to create detailed images of organs and structures inside the body . This is a very commonly used imaging tool to diagnose health problems. Because an MRI does not use energy in the form of ionizing radiation, like an X-ray or CT scan, this type of test does not carry the risk of radiation exposure.
For diseases of the motor system, an MRI of the bones and bone marrow can be used to look at bones, joints and soft tissues such as cartilage, muscles and tendons when you have the following problems:
Trauma, such as fracture or rupture, tearing of cartilage, tendons or ligaments Structural abnormalities due to degeneration Infections such as osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis Osteitis, bone marrow Congenital abnormalities of bones, joints Necrosis infarct bone Primary abnormalities from bone marrow Herniation or degeneration of discs of the spine Postoperative evaluation. Indication for MRI commonly performed in clinical practice is MRI of bone and bone marrow without contrast injection. It is a method that only needs to use magnetic energy to investigate the structure alone without using contrast agents.

2. What are the risks of a bone marrow and bone marrow MRI without contrast?

In general, there is absolutely no risk of radiation exposure during an MRI scan. In addition, this is also a non-invasive imaging method, which does not cause any pain or potential long-term sequelae on the patient's body.
However, due to its strong magnetic properties, MRI of bone and bone marrow without injectable contrast in particular or MRI in general is contraindicated in people with one of the following factors:
implanted heartbeat Clips an intracranial aneurysm Cochlear implants Certain devices, prostheses Implantable infusion chambers Intrauterine contraceptive placement Any type of metal implant in any other body The presence of metal objects inside the body, such as bullets or shrapnel, surgical forceps, pins, plates, screws, metal threads or wire mesh. In addition, patients should let their doctor know if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. In general, there is no evidence of a risk of MRI during pregnancy. However, to avoid possible risks to the fetus, MRI should only be used in essential situations, especially during the first trimester.
Furthermore, an MRI of bone and bone marrow without injectable contrast will also reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to the dye.

3. How to do an MRI of bone and bone marrow without contrast injection?

MRI can be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of in-hospital monitoring. The radiologist or MRI technologist will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions regarding a non-contrast MRI of bone and bone marrow.
Once you are clear, you will have an MRI of your bones and bone marrow without contrast injection following the following steps in turn:
There are no special restrictions on diet or activities or What to Avoid Before an MRI If you are often haunted by a claustrophobic feeling and think you won't be able to lie still inside the scanner, you may be prescribed a sedative to reduce anxiety. So you need a relative to take you home afterwards. You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, hairpins, removable dental tools, or other metal objects from your body. You are changed into a suitable gown and lying on your back on the table in the correct position. The capture table is usually narrow in size, automatically sliding into the large round hole of the scanner. Pillows and straps can be used to limit involuntary movements during the scan, helping to ensure image clarity. The technician will be in another room where the scanner controller is located. However, you are constantly observed and communicated using the scanner's built-in speakers, allowing the technician to talk to you and hear you and signal you to cooperate. You shouldn't worry too much as there is always a call button so you can let the technician know if there are any problems during the scan. At the same time, a technician will monitor you at all times and will be in constant communication. Because the object of the scan is a certain bone and bone marrow location, the MRI scan time will be faster than that of other parts. You will be provided with earplugs or headphones to help block out noise from the scanner. It is very important to remain still during the scan. Any movement can cause distortion and affect the quality of the captured image. Once the scan is complete, the table will slide away from the scanner and you will be helped to sit up and leave immediately.

4. What happens after an MRI of bone and bone marrow without contrast injection?

Move slowly when getting up from the scanner table so you don't get dizzy, from lying still for the duration of the procedure. If you take sedation, you may need to rest until the medication wears off or you will need a loved one to drive you home.
Because MRI of bone and bone marrow does not inject contrast, you will not need to keep track of any side effects or reactions to the contrast dye.
Thus, an MRI of bone and bone marrow without contrast is unlikely to cause any harm after the scan is over. You can go back to your room to rest or go home if you are an outpatient and return to your usual diet and activities, unless your doctor has special instructions.
Results of bone and bone marrow MRI will be analyzed, recognized and concluded by a bone and bone MRI specialist in a few days, and returned to the treating doctor. From there, you will have a definite diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including surgical intervention, depending on the bone and bone marrow damage detected on non-contrast MRI.
In summary, MRI of bone and bone marrow without contrast injection is a very useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the motor system. This is an important technique in imaging diagnostics to accurately evaluate the lesions of bone and bone marrow. On average, the scan time is about 30-45 minutes and the patient will receive the MRI results after 15-30 minutes, depending on the abnormalities in the body of the scanner. Compared with pharmacological imaging, a drug-free MRI scan reduces the risk of drug exposure while maintaining the desired image quality. From there, patients will receive timely intervention, improve bone and joint function as well as limit sequelae.
Vinmec International General Hospital put into use the magnetic resonance imaging machine 3.0 Tesla Silent technology. Magnetic resonance imaging machine 3.0 Tesla with Silent technology of GE Healthcare (USA).
Silent technology is especially beneficial for patients who are children, the elderly, weak health patients and patients undergoing surgery. Limiting noise, creating comfort and reducing stress for customers during the shooting process, helping to capture better quality images and shorten the shooting time. Magnetic resonance imaging technology is the technology applied in the most popular and safest imaging method today because of its accuracy, non-invasiveness and no use of X-rays. Customers can go directly to the system. Vinmec Health System nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.
References: hopkinsmedicine.org, mayfieldclinic.com, cancerresearchuk.org, urmc.rochester.edu