MSK Imaging and Scans

MRI Scans and Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conditions

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI scanning machine is able to create a detailed image of areas of our body. MSK clinicians can consider an MRI scan to support the management of certain conditions which may help decide if further management such as surgery is required.

The scan is low risk. No radiation is used to create the image. Instead, powerful magnets are used to create a scan of a section of the body. For a scan to be completed, you must be able to sit in a confined space and stay still between 30 – 90 minutes. You may not be able to have MRI scans if you have metal in your body as strong magnets used during the scan can affect any metal implants or fragments in your body. There is no evidence that MRI scan are a risk for pregnant women.

It’s important to remember: Structural Change does not always cause pain…

In over 3000 people without back pain, an MRI scan showed up to 97% as having some level of structural change to their spine including disc bulges, disc degeneration and spinal arthritis (1)

In over 230 people with pain free knees, up to 97% showed abnormal structural changes, including arthritis, cartilage tears and Baker’s Cysts (2)

In 123 people with pain free shoulders, up to 88% showed abnormal tendon changes and 89% showed age related changes including arthritis (3)

1 – Brinjikji, et al. (2015). “Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations”. American journal of neuroradiology, 36(4), pp.811-816.
2 – Galim, et al. (2006). “Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging of the knee and unjustified surgery”. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®, 447, pp.100-104.
3 – Sansone, V., et al. (2016). “Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff: the correlation between pain and imaging features in symptomatic and asymptomatic female shoulders”. Skeletal radiology, 45, pp.49-55.

Benefits of MRI scans:

Support further management options, if your assessment identifies a specific concern
Take a detailed picture of a body part or area of the body
Provide a safe method to investigate with minimal risks
Most MRI scans are non-invasive and does not use radiation exposure
Produces detailed images
Can be used for almost any part of your body
Safe for most people

Limitations of MRI scans:

Provide a diagnosis on their own – A clinical assessment is always needed before an MRI scan
Show pain or be requested for pain alone, despite how bad it feels or how long it has been there
Speed up the healing or recovery time of MSK conditions
Not ideal for looking at bones- x-rays and CT scans are better
Noisy and time consuming – will take between 30-50 mins
Is not suitable for all people
MRI scans can be expensive

MRI Scans and Therapy Services (Physiotherapy and Podiatry)

A physiotherapist or podiatrist can order an MRI scan. A face-to-face assessment is always required before a scan can be requested. The assessment will include a discussion of an individual’s history and symptoms alongside a detailed physical examination. Only after this can an MRI scan be considered.