MRI Scan — Joints & Soft Tissue

Klinika Dr. Pírka operates a Siemens Magnetom Sola 1.5T scanner in its dedicated MRI imaging pavilion, opened May 2023 — one of the most advanced mid-field systems available in the Central Bohemia region. Under the direction of MUDr. Zuzana Ryznarová, Ph.D., the department performs the full spectrum of musculoskeletal and soft-tissue MRI: all peripheral joints (knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, wrist, elbow), soft tissue masses, and ligament or tendon injuries. The closed-bore 1.5T magnet delivers higher signal-to-noise than lower-field open systems, producing sharper images of cartilage, menisci, and rotator cuff structures. Self-pay patients book directly via the MRI booking line and receive a written radiologist report; examinations are also covered by Czech public health insurance with a valid referral.

Klinika Dr. Pírka's MRI department occupies a purpose-built imaging pavilion that opened in May 2023, housing a Siemens Magnetom Sola 1.5T scanner. The Magnetom Sola belongs to Siemens Healthineers' mid-range but clinically high-performing platform: it operates at 1.5 tesla field strength, uses Siemens' BioMatrix technology for adaptive coil positioning, and supports a wide bore diameter (70 cm) that makes the examination more comfortable for larger patients or anyone who experiences mild anxiety in tighter-bore machines. The department is headed by MUDr. Zuzana Ryznarová, Ph.D., a specialist in diagnostic radiology. For joints and soft tissue, the Sola platform excels in cartilage imaging, meniscus evaluation, ligament and tendon assessment, and detection of bone marrow oedema — all findings critical to orthopaedic decision-making. Common referral indications include knee pain (meniscus tear, ACL rupture, cartilage wear), shoulder impingement and rotator cuff pathology, hip labral tears, ankle ligament injuries, and soft tissue tumours or cysts anywhere in the extremities. The 1.5T field strength produces images that are diagnostically equivalent to 3T for most MSK indications while being more forgiving of patient movement, which is valuable in pain-limited patients. A typical joint scan takes 20–40 minutes depending on the region and the number of imaging sequences requested. You are positioned on the scanner table by the radiographic technologist and asked to remain still during each sequence (usually 3–8 minutes each). The magnetic field is always on; you should inform the team before entering the scan room about any metal implants, surgical history, cardiac devices, cochlear implants, or pregnancy. Standard contraindications apply: pacemakers, ICDs, certain ferromagnetic implants, and metal orbital foreign bodies are absolute contraindications; total joint replacements in MRI-safe titanium alloys are generally safe but the implant certificate should be provided. Preparation for musculoskeletal and soft-tissue studies is minimal: no fasting required, no contrast agent needed for most joint scans (gadolinium contrast may be added for specific indications such as joint effusion characterisation or synovial tumours, at the radiologist's discretion). Remove all jewellery, hairpins, hearing aids, and any removable metallic objects before the examination. At Klinika Dr. Pírka, self-pay MRI patients book by calling the dedicated MRI booking line (+420 326 375 470, Mon–Fri 9:00–15:00) or emailing [email protected]. A written radiologist report by MUDr. Ryznarová is included in the self-pay fee and is typically available within a few working days. The clinic also operates under Czech public health insurance contracts, meaning insured patients with a valid specialist referral can access MRI without additional cost, subject to the standard insurance authorization process. The new private MRI pavilion at Klinika Dr. Pírka significantly reduces waiting times compared to public hospital radiology departments in the region, where non-urgent musculoskeletal MRI waits can stretch to several months. The clinic's position within the broader Penta Hospitals network also facilitates fast interdepartmental referral — orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists, and physiotherapists at the same facility can directly request and review imaging without the patient needing to travel or re-register at a separate imaging centre.