MRI Scan of a Joint (Knee, Shoulder, Hip)

A magnetic resonance imaging scan of a single joint that shows cartilage, ligaments, tendons, the joint capsule and bone in fine detail without ionising radiation — the imaging of choice for many sports and orthopaedic injuries. ST Medical scans the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, wrist, ankle, hand or foot, with MR arthrography and contrast options for more complex questions. With several orthopaedic surgeons on site, imaging can feed directly into a treatment plan.

An MRI of a joint is the preferred way to assess soft-tissue structures that X-rays cannot show — the cartilage, ligaments, tendons, menisci and joint capsule — alongside the underlying bone, and it does so without any ionising radiation. At ST Medical Clinic single-joint protocols are available for the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, wrist, ankle, hand and foot, making the scan well suited to investigating sports injuries, joint pain, instability and suspected cartilage or tendon damage. For specific questions the clinic also offers MR arthrography of the shoulder, where contrast is introduced to outline the joint surfaces, and contrast-enhanced studies of larger joints. The scan is acquired by a radiographer and reported by a radiologist, with an optional CD copy of the images. During the examination the joint is positioned carefully in the scanner and you are asked to keep it still so the images stay sharp; a single-joint study usually takes around twenty-five to forty minutes. The scanner is loud and ear protection is provided. Because of the strong magnetic field, staff will check for pacemakers, certain implants, metal fragments and pregnancy before the scan. ST Medical's orthopaedic and traumatology team — including specialists in shoulder, knee, hip, hand and foot surgery — works alongside the radiology department, so a joint MRI obtained here can be reviewed in the context of a surgical or rehabilitation plan if further care is needed.