A leg MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the leg uses strong magnets to create pictures of the leg. This may include the ankle, foot, and surrounding tissues.
A leg MRI also creates pictures of the knee.
MRI does not use radiation (x-rays).
Single MRI images are called slices. The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film. One exam produces many images.
How the Test is Performed
You will be asked to wear a hospital gown or clothes without metal zippers or snaps (such as sweatpants and a t-shirt). Some types of metal can cause blurry images.
You will lie on a narrow table that slides into a tunnel-like scanner.
Some exams use a special dye (contrast). Most of the time, you will get the dye through a vein in your arm or hand before the test. Sometimes, the dye is given into a joint. The dye helps the radiologist see certain areas more clearly.
During the MRI, the person who operates the machine will watch you from another room. The test most often lasts 30-60 minutes, but may take longer.
How to Prepare for the Test
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 - 6 hours before the scan.
Tell your doctor if you are afraid of close spaces (have claustrophobia). You may be given a medicine to help you feel sleepy and less anxious. Your doctor may suggest an "open" MRI, in which the machine is not as close to the body.
Before the test, tell your health care provider if you have:
Brain aneurysm clips
Certain types of artificial heart valves
Heart defibrillator or pacemaker
Inner ear (cochlear) implants
Kidney disease or dialysis (you may not be able to receive contrast)
Recently placed artificial joints
Certain types of vascular stents
Worked with sheet metal (you may need tests to check for metal pieces in your eyes)
Because the MRI contains strong magnets, metal objects are not allowed into the room with the MRI scanner:
Pens, pocketknives, and eyeglasses may fly across the room.
Items such as jewelry, watches, credit cards, and hearing aids can be damaged.
Pins, hairpins, metal zippers, and similar metallic items can distort the images.
Removable dental work should be taken out just before the scan.
How the Test Will Feel
An MRI exam causes no pain. You will need to lie still. Too much movement can blur MRI images and cause errors.
The table may be hard or cold, but you can ask for a blanket or pillow. The machine makes loud thumping and humming noises when turned on. You can wear ear plugs to help block out the noise.
An intercom in the room allows you to speak to someone at any time. Some MRIs have televisions and special headphones to help the time pass.
There is no recovery time, unless you were given a medicine to relax. After an MRI scan, you can return your normal diet, activity, and medicines.
Why the Test is Performed
This test provides detailed pictures of parts of the leg that are hard to see clearly on CT scans.
Your doctor may order an MRI of the leg if you have:
A mass that can be felt on a physical exam
An abnormal finding on an x-ray or bone scan
Birth defects of the leg, ankle, or foot
Bone pain and fever
Broken bone
Decreased motion of the ankle joint
Pain, swelling, or redness in a leg
Redness or swelling of the ankle joint
Leg pain and a history of cancer
Leg, foot, or ankle pain that does not get better with treatment
Normal Results
A normal result means your leg looks okay.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may be due to:
Abscess
Achilles tendonitis
Arthritis
Broken bone or fracture
Infection in the bone
Ligament, tendon, or cartilage injury
Muscle damage
Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis)
Plantar fascia rupture (See: Plantar fascitis)
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
Tear or rupture of the Achilles tendon in the ankle area
Tumor or cancer in the bone, muscle, or soft tissue
Talk to your health care provider about your questions and concerns.
Risks
MRI contains no radiation. There have been no reported side effects from the magnetic fields and radio waves.
The most common type of contrast (dye) used is gadolinium. It is very safe. Allergic reactions are rare. However, gadolinium can be harmful to people with kidney problems that need dialysis. If you have kidney problems, please tell your health care provider before the test.
The strong magnetic fields created during an MRI can cause heart pacemakers and other implants to not work as well. It can also cause a piece of metal inside your body to move or shift. For safety reasons, please don't bring anything that contains metal into the scanner room.
Considerations
Tests that may be done instead of an MRI include:
Bone scan
CT scan of the leg
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
X-ray of the leg
A CT scan may be preferred in an emergency. The test is faster than MRI and often available in the emergency room.