Orthopedic doctors and surgeons use diagnostic imaging to determine musculoskeletal conditions as well as the type, location, and severity of injuries. Innovative diagnostic tools, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), are essential in accurately diagnosing many orthopedic problems.

At EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region, X-ray and MRI scans provide patients with the most state-of-the-art imaging services available in the Triangle area. Operating at multiple centers throughout the area, our highly trained technologists strive to ensure that your visit is not only convenient but relaxing and comfortable. We offer several imaging services, which your doctor selects according to your individual needs.

Types of MRI Machines: Diagnosing Orthopedic Conditions and Injuries

Radiography (or X-ray) has long been a standard method to identify conditions such as arthritis, joint dislocations, and fractures. X-ray machines emit tiny amounts of ionizing radiation that another device captures to produce an image.

MRIs are another advanced imaging technique that aids in diagnosing torn cartilage, ligaments, and muscles (particularly for issues of the spine, hip, and pelvis). Unlike X-rays, MRIs do not use radiation. Instead, it uses a powerful magnet to pass radio waves through the subject’s body. The body’s protons react to the radio waves, producing detailed images that X-rays cannot.

Three Types of MRI Options

Our EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region patients can take advantage of three different types of MRI options:

1. Traditional MRI
2. Open MRI
3. Wide Bore MRI

1. Traditional MRI

For a traditional MRI, the patient will lie on a table, which advances into a 60 cm cylindrical bore. Rigid and flexible coils are used to provide detailed imaging of all parts of the patient’s body. These coils can be laid on, inside, or on the table or wrapped around the body part to acquire the necessary images. Most individual MRIs take approximately 15 to 45 minutes; however, times can vary.

The Siemens Magnetom Avanto 1.5 Tesla scanner is located in our main office in Durham and on our mobile MRI unit. You can receive traditional MRI services at one of the following locations:

• Apex
• Burlington
• Durham
• Oxford

2. Open MRI

Unlike a traditional MRI, which occurs within a closed capsule, an open MRI is consistent with its nomenclature. Instead of an enclosed tube, an open MRI has open sides and a magnetic top and bottom.

An open MRI is much more comfortable than a traditional MRI as patients merely lie on a sliding table instead of in a tight, enclosed space. However, the increased comfort comes at the expense of image quality. Because of the open nature of the machine, it cannot produce a magnetic field as strong as that of a traditional MRI. Therefore, if you are not affected by claustrophobia, we recommend opting for a traditional MRI.

At EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region, we have an OASIS 1.2T Open MRI scanner that is available to you at the following location:

• Wilson