Introduction
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI for short, is a radiological sectional imaging technique that makes it possible to display organs, muscles and joints without harmful radiation. In this process, protons, the positively charged nuclei of hydrogen, which are found in every cell of the human body, are made to vibrate by a large magnet and the signal they emit when they return to their original state is measured. Since organs, tendons and muscles are thus displayed with high contrast, the MRI is particularly well suited for imaging the Achilles tendon. In this way, injuries or inflammations of the Achilles tendon can be seen.
Indication
An MRI of the Achilles tendon should be performed if chronic inflammation of the Achilles tendon is suspected or to confirm a possible tear or partial tear. An MRI of the Achilles tendon can also be performed to plan a possible operation. An alternative method would be an ultrasound of the Achilles tendon.
Procedure
In the case of an MRI of the Achilles tendon, the patient is informed by the radiologist in charge about the purpose and procedure of the examination, including any contraindications, such as pacemakers, hearing implants or other metal parts in the body, prior to the examination. The patient must then remove all metallic objects such as jewelry and, if necessary, put on a patient shirt. Afterwards the patient lies down on the table of the MRI, gets a hearing protection because of the loud noises of the MRI and transverse and longitudinal images of the affected side are taken.
Contrast medium is not always given during the MRI of the Achilles tendon, since an injury due to edema formation, i.e. the accumulation of water around the injury, can often be well visualized by special sequences (settings on the device). A rupture of the Achilles tendon can often be revealed by an interruption of the tendon, for which no contrast agent is needed either. Even altered contours or thickening of the tendon can be displayed well without the use of contrast medium. Contrast medium could be used, for example, if chronic inflammation of the Achilles tendon is suspected or in the search for necroses, i.e. dead parts of the tendon. If contrast medium should be necessary, which is decided by the examining physician on site, it is given via an intravenous access, which is placed before the examination and removed again after the examination.
