Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was first introduced in the early 1970's. Though the technology continues to advance, the basics of an MRI consist of using magnetic fields, radio waves and computer software to look inside the patient's body. An MRI is a non-invasive procedure, and only requires you to be present for images to be generated. Another benefit is that MRI images are created without the use of radiation. which is typically found in x-ray and computerized tomography (CT) scanning.

The MRI imaging services offered by Iowa Orthopaedic Center generate high-quality state-of-the-art images of the human anatomy. These images display high tissue contrast and spatial resolution, and are optimized for orthopaedic use by our skilled technicians.


MRI images are created through the excitation of hydrogen protons by radio frequency (RF) pulses. The MRI generates very brief millisecond RF pulses; these RF pulses excite hydrogen protons, and elevate them to a higher energy state. As the protons return to a lower "resting" energy state, they release electromagnetic energy. This process, called "relaxation", takes anywhere from a few milliseconds to a few seconds, depending on the kind of tissue where the protons are located. This energy is picked up and amplified by the magnet's coils, and turned into precise anatomical visual images.


An MRI provides safe, pristine images that assist physicians greatly in diagnosing and treating orthopaedic injuries. It is completely safe for patients of all ages.


The MRI we use gives doctors a detailed look at the soft tissue elements of the body, including cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles and nerves that cannot be detected by normal x-rays. MRI is effective in the clinical evaluation of knee, hip, shoulder, hand, wrist, foot and ankle injuries or conditions, spine injuries and disease, musculoskeletal disorders, brain disorders, traumatic injuries, and tumor detection.
The Iowa Orthopaedic Center's Open MRI Center is located at 450 Laurel Street in Des Moines south of Mercy Hospital. It is a state-of-the-art open model that can be used to assess any part of the human anatomy.


An MRI offers the best of all imaging modalities for orthopaedics because of its superior contrast differentiation between muscle, fat, vessels, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, cortical bone and marrow bone. Also, the images provided by an MRI are either two or three-dimensional, depending on the needs of the doctor. In comparison, x-rays can provide only one-dimensional images.

Besides the superior imaging results provided by MRI, the Iowa Orthopaedic Center's imaging is centered around your comfort. Most MRI machines are closed and require the patient to be inserted in a cylinder-like opening. These tight confines may cause patients to feel claustrophobic. The MRI used by Iowa Orthopaedic Center is open on all sides thus virtually elimination any feeling of claustrophobia.

There is no pain associated with MRI imaging, and there are no side effects or after effects. During an MRI procedure, you may hear low volume humming during the scanning portion of the imaging. In order to make our patients feel completely comfortable, you wiII be given a headset and you can select what you want to listen to from news, radio talk shows, or your favorite music.


No special preparation is required prior to an exam at our open MRI. You may eat normally and can go about your daily routine. Continue to take any medications prescribed by your doctor unless otherwise directed.

Once ready for the imaging study, you will be positioned as comfortably as possible on the examining table. The table will slide under the magnet so the part of the body to be imaged is in the proper area. Once you are situated for the MRI, make sure you are comfortable so that it is easy to remain still during the imaging segments. Breathe normally. Our highly skilled technicians will take over from there, and make every effort to ensure your MRI experience is as comfortable as possible. The average time for an MRI procedure is 30-45 minutes, so please plan accordingly. There are some MRI studies that require more time, up to 90 minutes in some cases, so be sure to ask your technician how long they estimate the procedure will take.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR MRI STUDY
Before your scan, an MRI technician will talk with you in a private area and provide you with a secure area to store your personal belongings. You will need to remove any metallic objects because they can both interfere with the MRI images and could lead to injury if brought within the magnetic field. You will be asked to leave coins, keys, watches, jewelry, glasses, hairpins, clothing with metal zippers, clothing with hooks or snaps, credit cards, cellular phones, pagers, non-permanent dentures, hearing aids, and other metallic objects in the secure storage space. As with any medical procedure, the safest thing is to try to leave these objects at home, where you can be assured that they are safe and will not interfere with the MRI procedure.

Please also make sure you tell your MRI technician about any medical devices or implants you may have. Patients with pacemakers, ear implants, metal clips in the eyes, metal implants, aneurysm clips, surgical staples, implanted dmg infusion devices, wires from cardiac bypass procedures, any implanted or embedded wires, certain types of medication patches (that may contain small metal wires), shrapnel or bullet wounds, permanent eyeliner, intrauterine devices (IUD), etc. or neurostimulators (TENS unit) may be at risk for complications because of the potential harmful effects of these objects entering the magnetic field. Pregnant women should be cautious about the MRI procedure, and be examined after they have been cleared by their family doctor and obstetrician.

In addition to the above items, patients who may have previous metal in the eyes should be extremely cautious. Please let your doctor and technician know if you have ever had any metal chips or fragments in your eyes from welding, grinding, or any accidents of any sort. In these cases, an x-ray of the eye, called an orbital x-ray, must be taken prior to the MRI procedure. Even if the metal.fragment was taken out, or came out on its own, or if the eye issue occurred a long time ago, an x-ray is the only safe way to confirm that there are no remaining fragments that might impact the procedure. This is particularly important, because small fragments in the eye could potentially damage the eyes if brought into the magnetic field. If an orbital x-ray is required prior to your MRI, the IOC Outpatient Scheduling Department will arrange for this prior to your MRI. If you have done welding or grinding but never got metal in your eyes, you do not need the eye x-ray. If there is ever any question about this, the x-rays should be obtained.

Other types of metallic objects, like fillings in your teeth, dental braces and permanent bridges, etc. may be present during an MRI procedure. They may cause some distortion of the magnetic resonance image around the mouth area, but they will not cause harm to the patient or the MRI equipment. When necessary, you may be asked to remove make-up and dentures and to wear a hospital gown to avoid magnetic interference from belt buckles and zippers.