Pain in the knee, shoulder, hip or other joints can significantly restrict everyday life. At first, it is often unclear whether the cause is an injury, inflammation, osteoarthritis or another change. At Radiology Düsseldorf | Dr. May, we examine joint problems using modern magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Joint MRI provides detailed images of cartilage, menisci, ligaments, tendons, the joint capsule and bones and helps to accurately assess the cause of symptoms.
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Joint structures visible in detail
Shows cartilage, ligaments, tendons, the joint capsule and bones
02
Radiation-free examination
Painless, without radiation exposure and repeatable
03
Early diagnosis possible
Often detects inflammatory, degenerative or traumatic changes earlier than other procedures
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Assessment of unexplained symptoms
Useful when pain is present but other procedures do not reveal the cause
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Clear diagnosis without an invasive procedure
Many symptoms can be reliably assessed without surgery or arthroscopy
What is joint MRI?
MRI is an imaging procedure that, unlike X-rays or CT, does not use X-rays but instead works with a strong magnetic field and radio waves. This produces high-resolution cross-sectional images that clearly show tissues such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons, menisci and joint capsules. It is particularly frequently used to examine the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle and wrist.
Which joints can be examined with MRI?
We use magnetic resonance imaging for a variety of symptoms and medical questions.
Typical applications at our private radiology practice in Düsseldorf include:
- Knee
A knee MRI is useful in patients with pain, swelling or restricted mobility, or when meniscus, cruciate ligament or cartilage damage is suspected. The examination can also provide important information in cases of osteoarthritis or following sports injuries. - Shoulder
In patients with shoulder pain, MRI can help assess the tendons, bursae, joint capsule, cartilage and rotator cuff in greater detail. It is frequently used when symptoms occur after physical strain, a fall or prolonged irritation. - Hip
MRI of the hip can be useful for unexplained groin pain, restricted mobility, suspected inflammation, cartilage damage or circulatory disorders of the bone. The examination provides detailed visualization of soft tissues and bony structures. Ankle
Magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle can be useful when, following a twisted ankle or in patients with persistent pain, swelling or instability, it is unclear whether ligaments, cartilage, tendons or bones are affected. The examination can also provide important information when inflammation or overuse injuries are suspected.Wrist
For wrist problems, MRI can provide detailed images of fine structures such as ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bones. We use the examination, for example, when pain persists after a fall or when the cause of pain during physical strain needs to be investigated.Elbow
An MRI of the elbow can help assess tendons, ligaments, cartilage and adjacent bony structures in greater detail. It may be used for persistent pain, restricted mobility, sports injuries or inflammatory changes, among other conditions.
3-Tesla joint MRI in Düsseldorf:
What happens during the examination?
At Radiology Düsseldorf | Dr. May, we use the MAGNETOM® Skyra MRI scanner from Siemens Healthineers. With a field strength of 3 Tesla, this MRI system provides particularly high-resolution images of joint structures. Cartilage, tendons, ligaments and even subtle tissue changes can be visualized clearly and in detail.
Thanks to this precise technology, we can also detect minimal wear, inflammation or injuries. This is an important advantage for an accurate diagnosis and targeted further treatment.
Preparation
Before the MRI examination, please remove metallic objects such as jewelry or watches, as these could interfere with the magnetic field. Depending on the medical question, we may administer a contrast agent through a vein before the examination, for example to make inflammation or changes in blood flow within the joint more clearly visible.
Examination
You lie comfortably on the examination table. We position the affected joint and, if necessary, stabilize it using special coils to improve image quality. Thanks to the spacious opening of our MRI scanner, even people with claustrophobia usually feel comfortable during the examination.
We then slowly move the examination table into the MRI scanner. During the examination, which takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, detailed images are produced in several imaging sequences. It is important that you remain as still as possible to ensure the best possible image quality.
After the examination
Immediately afterwards, you can leave the examination room and get dressed again. Our radiologists carefully analyze the images obtained and prepare a report, which we make available promptly to you and your treating physician.
When is joint MRI used?
Magnetic resonance imaging can be useful for the following symptoms and medical questions, among others:
- unexplained joint pain
- suspected meniscus, ligament, tendon or cartilage damage
- sports injuries and consequences of accidents
- osteoarthritis and degenerative joint changes
- inflammatory joint diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
- swelling, joint effusions or restricted mobility
- follow-up after surgical procedures
- preparation for surgery
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