Is contrast medium necessary for an MRI of the sacroiliac joint? | MRI of the sacroiliac joint

Is contrast medium necessary for an MRI of the sacroiliac joint?

For an MRI of the ISG, the administration of contrast medium is usually not necessary. Contrast medium is used in particular when the examination is indicated for imaging soft tissue. The contrast medium accumulates in organs and muscles and can therefore help in the diagnosis. However, the administration of contrast medium also entails risks, as it can lead to allergies and kidney damage. If the ISG is only shown, contrast medium is not required, since it is mainly the bones and joint surfaces that are examined.

Duration of the MRI examination of the sacroiliac joint

The duration of an MRI examination at the ISG is usually about 15-25 minutes. It depends on what is to be examined. In addition, there is the preparation time, i.e. the undressing of the patients, the positioning and the evaluation of the images. In total, at least one hour should be planned for an MRI appointment.

Do I have to put my head in the tube?

During an MRI examination at the ISG, you usually do not have to put your head in the tube. However, this depends on the size of the patient. The patient is moved into the MRI tube feet first on the couch until his complete pelvis is inside the tube.

Evaluation of an MRT examination of the sacroiliac joint

In most cases, the evaluation is performed by an experienced radiologist. During evaluation, all sectional images are viewed in 3 planes on the computer. Through the different planes a possible change of the ISG can be localized exactly.

At the ISG the physician evaluates the joint surface and the bone substance. For example, is there a narrowing of the joint space? Are any cysts visible? In addition, the whole picture is always considered, i.e. adjacent structures that have nothing to do with the diagnosis are also assessed. If a patient has already had an MRI in the past, the current one is compared with the patient and possible changes are noted.