MRI of the cervical spine

When examining the cervical spine (cervical spine), the head is usually also located within the closed MRI tube. Depending on the device, however, it may be possible that the head is located near the opening of the tube and the patient can at least partially look out of the MRI machine. The patient is pushed head first into the tube. In order to ensure good image quality, the head and shoulders are fixed during the examination of the cervical spine. The administration of a sedative (Dormicum) or a short anaesthesia with Propofol is also possible.

MRt of the shoulder

The position of the head during the MRI examination of the shoulder is comparable to the position during imaging of the cervical spine. The head is usually located near the opening of the tube. The patient is also pushed head first into the tube. The shoulder is fixed for examination and surrounded by a kind of grid (coil) that receives the image information. The administration of a sedative is also possible if required.

MRI of the hand

There are various options available for MRI examination of the hand. Depending on the equipment available in a clinic or practice, different examinations are preferred. In each case, the hand is fixed and a coil is placed around the hand.

For an examination of the hand in a closed MRI machine (tube), the patient is pushed into the tube with the arm stretched out and fixed first. The patient’s head and upper body are usually still outside the tube. In addition, the examination of the hand is also possible with newly developed devices, in which the patient in a sitting position stretches the corresponding joint into a magnetic field to be examined.

MRI of heart and lungs

For MRI examination of the heart and lungs, the patient is also pushed head first into the MRI tube. In the case of tubes open on both sides, the head is usually located approximately at the edge of the tube (usually still inside the tube). With the newer short MRI devices, the patient can also look out of the tube to some extent. During the examination, the patient must not move in order to ensure good image quality. If necessary, a sedative (Dormicum) can be administered.If claustrophobia is known, a short anaesthetic may also be indicated.