MRI

OSMC physicians are highly skilled in diagnosing your orthopedic condition and prescribing the best treatment and rehabilitation therapy based on your needs. To get the clearest picture of your bones, joints, muscles, and other soft tissue, we depend on technology like conventional X-rays as well as state-of-the-art MRIs.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology provides extremely detailed information on joint and musculoskeletal disorders, including very small tears or injuries to bones, ligaments, and muscles. You can get this advanced diagnostic scan at our headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana, as well as at our Goshen location, eliminating the hassle of traveling to another facility. We also perform MRI arthrograms in Elkhart.

What Is an MRI?

An MRI is a painless imaging test that uses radio waves, magnetic fields, and computer technology to produce detailed, 3D images of soft tissue and structures inside the body, such as your spine, knees, hips, and other vital organs. The entire procedure is conducted without the use of radiation.

The exam itself usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. You simply lay on a table that is moved into a long cylinder. At OSMC, we use a “closed” MRI, which scans patients faster than “open” systems and results in clearer, more accurate images.

You’ll be positioned either feet first, or head first, depending on the part of the body to be scanned. Once the scanning process begins, clanging or banging sounds will occur, but you’ll be offered earplugs or headphones to minimize the noise. Also, a technician will be able to speak to you throughout the exam. You’ll be asked to remain as still as possible since any movement could affect the quality of the scan. In some cases, we may inject a contrast dye into your veins prior to conducting the MRI to better see inside a particular joint.

How to Prepare for Your MRI

Here are some tips for the day of your MRI:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothes with no metal in them (zippers, underwire, etc.)
• We will provide lockers for your clothes, wallet, keys, etc. Please leave valuables at home.
• Do not wear anything with a “glittery” substance
• Do not wear makeup

When scheduling your MRI, please let us know if:

• You have a pacemaker
• You have an aneurysm clip
• You have ever had metal fragments in your eyes

MRIs are currently offered in Elkhart and Goshen, Indiana. If you’ve been told you need an MRI, call OSMC at (574) 264-0791 (in Elkhart) or (574) 533-0300 (in Goshen) and we’d be happy to help you schedule an appointment.