Joint MRI

A 3T MRI of a single joint — knee, shoulder, ankle, or hip — for detailed assessment of ligaments, tendons, menisci, cartilage, and surrounding soft tissue structures. The ultra-high-field scanner provides fine-detail imaging that supports diagnosis of tears, impingement, degenerative changes, and inflammatory conditions.

Joint MRI at Primenostics uses 3T field strength to produce high-resolution images of intra-articular and periarticular structures. For knee examinations, the scan evaluates the medial and lateral menisci, anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, collateral ligaments, articular cartilage, and surrounding bursae. Shoulder protocols cover the rotator cuff tendons, labrum, biceps tendon, and subacromial space. Ankle and hip examinations follow similarly detailed protocols tailored to the specific joint anatomy. The higher signal-to-noise ratio at 3T compared to 1.5T systems is particularly advantageous for detecting small partial-thickness tears, early cartilage defects, and subtle bone marrow oedema patterns that may indicate stress reactions or early avascular necrosis. The scan typically takes approximately 20 minutes per joint, making it one of the shorter examination types offered at the practice. Dr. Walter holds a DEGUM certification in musculoskeletal sonography, complementing the MRI assessment with expertise in correlating imaging findings across modalities. The double-couch system ensures efficient positioning for joint scans, and results are discussed with the patient on the same day to facilitate timely referral to orthopaedic specialists if intervention is indicated.