MRI: Fast, Simple Examination
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe and totally painless way for your physician to look inside your body. The images created during the exam look at the soft tissue inside the body and provide information that can help your doctor determine your diagnosis. We want to answer the questions most frequently asked by patients scheduled for an MRI examination.

How Should I Prepare For The MRI Exam?
You may eat, drink and take regularly prescribed medications prior to the exam. You do not need to change your normal daily routine.
You will need to wear clothing loose enough to be pulled comfortably away from the body part being scanned. There is a very important screening questionnaire which must be completed before you enter the MRI room. You will be asked to identify any types of metal components or fragments which your body carries including dentures, hearing aids, any type of prosthesis and certain medication patches.

What Do MRI Images Look Like?
MRI images look similar to conventional X-rays; however, they provide significantly more information. Our radiologists are specially trained to read your musculoskeletal MRI and provide an expert diagnosis.

How Long Will The Exam Take?
The complete exam will usually take about an hour, including paperwork, sometimes longer depending on what type of exam your doctor orders. The technologist will explain exactly how long your particular exam will take based upon your doctor’s order.

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?
MRI is a noninvasive way of looking inside the body without the dangers of radiation. The exam uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create images of the soft tissues inside the body.

These electronic images are sent over the internet to our fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologist who then provides a detailed report for your doctor.

How Is the MRI Performed?
Amarillo Imaging Center uses an innovative, open C-shaped MRI designed for orthopedic imaging. This open design works well for extremity imaging and helps make the procedure both relatively quiet and stress-free. You will lay comfortably on the patient table. It will also be extremely quiet compared to a whole body MRI. The technologist will position you comfortably and ask you to remain still during the exam.

What Do I Need To Do
Nothing! Just remain still and relax. The technologist will be with you during the examination.

Will I Feel Anything?
No. The MRI device will produce a quiet tapping sound during the exam.

• Jewelry
• Credit Cards
• Pocket Knife
• Money Clip
• Keys
• Watch

If you have a pacemaker or think you are pregnant, please notify the technologist.

• Aneurysm Clip
• Cardiac Pacemaker
• Metal Plate
• Joint Replacement
• Metal Pins
• Cochlear Implants
• If You Think You Are Pregnant

Your doctor or our MRI technologist will answer any questions you may have.