Orthopedic Imaging | Capital Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Imaging

Capital Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine offers x-rays at all locations, as well as a portable ultrasound machine, MRI, and MRI Arthrograms at our office in Clive.

What can I expect for an MRI?

MRI testing uses very strong magnetic and radio frequency. Due to this, you will be asked a series of questions regarding your surgical and medical history prior to entering the magnetic field.

Certain implants in your body (electronic or metal) will need to have their MRI compatibility verified to ensure your safety. These include but are not limited to: cerebral aneurysm clips, mechanical heart valves, cochlear implants, IUDs, insulin pumps, glucose monitors, or other electronic implanted medical devices.

If you have had a previous injury to your eye(s) where metal was removed, it may be necessary to take a preliminary x-ray of your eye(s) before your MRI.

An MRI technologist will reach out directly if more information is needed.

Unfortunately, our facility does not perform MRIs on those with pacemakers or implanted heart defibrillators.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. This allows for you to check-in, complete additional screening forms, and dress for your scan. The MRI takes approximately 45 minutes, so plan on being at the imaging center for about 1 hour.

How do I prepare for an MRI?

Continue taking any medications as-scheduled (including pain meds) prior to your MRI. Medication patches (i.e. pain, nicotine, birth control, etc.) may need to be removed from your skin, as these can heat up and cause irritation.

What if I’m claustrophobic?

If you think you may be claustrophobic, let your physician and team know. For the majority of patients with claustrophobia, 1 dose of a prescribed medication allows for a successful and comfortable scan. If you do take a prescription before your MRI, make sure that someone accompanies you to your test, as you will be legally impaired and unable to drive yourself home.

What should I wear to an MRI?

A patient gown and/or shorts will be provided to wear during your MRI. You will change in a private dressing room before your scan. All patients are required to change.
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You will also need to remove jewelry and other personal items such as cell phones, wallets, and purses before entering the MRI room. That said, we encourage you to leave any valuable items at home. A locker will be provided to secure any belongings you do bring to your appointment.

What body parts do you scan at the MRI department?

Capital Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine offers MRI testing of the following:
Foot, ankle, knee, hip, hand, wrist, elbow, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, cervical spine, shoulder, neck (soft tissue), and brain.

Is an arthrogram/MRI arthrogram/MRA the same thing as an MRI?

The act of laying in the machine and being scanned is the same, but the difference is that before hand you will be injected with a dye that will illuminate certain areas of the scan so your surgeon and radiologist can see things more clearly. Arthrograms are used specifically when physicians are wanting a detailed look at a joint, specifically (i.e. wear 2 bones meet). These are common for larger joints such as the hip, knee, and shoulder but are also used for diagnostic purposes with wrists, elbows, and ankles.

Imaging

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