This article will elaborate on ankle MRI, its purpose and procedure. We will also discuss the cost and best MRI centre in Delhi
What is an ankle MRI?
Ankle MRI is a noninvasive painless procedure that produces clear images of the ankle and the tissues around it. An ankle MRI is used to detect any abnormalities in the ankle like ligament injuries, ankle pain, fractures, osteochondral injury, tendon injury, lumps, or abnormal growth of cells etc. The ankle joint is where 3 bones shin bone (tibia), calf bone (fibula) and talus bone meet. The ankle joins the foot with the lower leg and also contains ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. The ankle is bent and flexed anytime to keep the person stable and maintain balance. Ankle moves in 2 directions:
- Planter flexion: Down away from the body.
- Dorsiflexion: Up, towards the body.
There are a lot of joints in the ankle and have been classified based on:
- Composition: What are they made up of like bones, ligaments, tendons etc?
- Function: What are their functions or how do they move?
- The ankle joint is the synovial joint, in this type of joint there is a cavity in one bone and another bone moves into it. Functionally it is a hinge joint and has 3 sets of ligaments:
- Medial ligaments (deltoid ligaments): These 4 ligaments start at the medial malleolus (bottom end of tibia) and connect the talus, calcaneus (heel bone) and navicular bones of the foot.
- Lateral ligaments: Having 3 ligaments at the lateral malleolus, they connect to the talus and calcaneus.
- Syndesmotic ligaments: Four ligaments connect the tibia and fibula.
MRI is the short form of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create images of the ankle or other parts of the body. MRI does not use radiation for scanning, that is why it is preferred body scan by healthcare experts. This technique is also very sensitive for scanning compared to CT (computed tomography) scans or X-rays. MRI scans can be done with or without using the contrast. Healthcare experts can suggest contrast MRI scans if they need enhanced-quality images for diagnostic purposes.
What is an ankle MRI with contrast?
In ankle MRI, intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are used in ankle MRIs showing ankle abnormalities. Gadolinium is a rare earth metal that alters the magnetic properties of water molecules present nearby which helps to enhance the quality of scanned images. It is better to go for the scan under the guidance of a healthcare expert as the contrast can have mild to severe side effects of the contrast, but severe reactions happen very rarely. Contrast material helps to enhance the image quality and visibility of conditions like fractures, swelling, tumours, tendon or ligament injuries etc.
What is an ankle MRI used to show?
An ankle MRI scan is used to provide detailed images of various structures of the ankle including bones, ligaments, tendons, capillaries, soft tissues etc. The MRI will detect different abnormalities related to the ankle:
- To diagnose the ligament injuries, ligament tears and unexplained ankle pain.
- To diagnose the fracture and osteochondral injury or tendon injury.
- To diagnose marrow abnormalities like bone contusions, osteonecrosis, marrow oedema syndromes and stress fractures.
- To diagnose birth defects and congenital and developmental conditions.
- To diagnose the infections of bones, joints and soft tissues eg. osteomyelitis.
- To diagnose the neoplasms of bones, joints or soft tissues (abnormal or excessive growth of tissue).
- To diagnose avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply).
- To diagnose the fibromatosis (fibrous overgrowths and causes tumours).
- To diagnose the sinus tarsi syndrome.
When to go for an ankle MRI?
An ankle MRI is suggested by the healthcare expert when he suspects any abnormalities related to the ankle or the bones, ligaments, tendons or tissues attached to ankle. Abnormalities like ankle infection, cancer, tumours, fractures, injuries, avascular necrosis etc. in the ankle and the surrounding tissues. An ankle MRI can be suggested to check the previous or existing condition. Healthcare providers also use ankle MRI scans before surgeries to better prepare for the surgery. They also use these scans to ensure that healing from the previous surgery is going well.
How to prepare for an ankle MRI?
Before going for the MRI, a patient needs to consult a healthcare expert as he may suggest some conditions before going for the test. Tell your healthcare provider if you have body implants. MRI uses strong magnets and radio wave signals that can cause the heating and possible movement of metal objects inside the body. These implants can cause health and safety issues, so it is important to consult a healthcare expert before going for an MRI.
Besides these, the patient is also advised to keep all the jewellery, watches, or any wearing metal at home or remove them before the MRI scan. These can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and cause burns or injuries with harmful projections. Items that can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and have to be discussed before going for MRI are pacemakers, implants, nerve stimulators, metal fragments, jewellery, pins, cell phones, electronic watches etc. Healthcare providers should be aware if the patient is pregnant and fears closed narrow spaces.
The procedure involves the patient to lie on the bench, which glides into the MRI scanning machine. In the case of patients using contrast dye, patients will be allowed to wait for almost 1 hour after the administration of the drug. Dye is used to get the perfect and more clear images of the body parts. You will be completely safe in the machine and the process can take 30 to 90 minutes.
What is the cost of an ankle MRI in Delhi?
The cost of an ankle MRI scan in Delhi depends on the area, healthcare facility and the quality of healthcare provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for ankle MRI screening tests as they provide the best facility, quality, and Government accreditations and have expertise in healthcare with affordable prices and discounts available. (Click to know Discounts)
How to choose the best ankle MRI centre in Delhi?
There are different MRI diagnostic centres in and around Delhi. Before going for the MRI scanning, you need to check some centre details like Government accreditations, the latest machines, doctors at your disposal, good technical staff, and prior expertise in healthcare. The diagnostic facility should be clean, and hygienic and provide full information to patients or you can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for any type of MRI scan.
Why choose Ganesh Diagnostic?
Ganesh Diagnostic has expertise in quality healthcare tests and scans for decades, having best-in-class doctors and facilitation. Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and prestigious Diagnostic centres that provides a 24x7x365-day facility. The test results are accurate which helps the patients get the best and the right treatment for easy recovery. The quality is backed by the NABH and NABL accreditations, NABH is for the highest standard of care and services provided to patients and NABL reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment at national and international standards. We also provide free blood sample collection at home for different tests, Get tested and treated well with the best diagnostic centre. Grab the opportunity of available discounts and book an appointment.
What is the treatment after an ankle MRI?
ankle MRI can detect different abnormalities or diseases like ankle fractures, injuries, tumours, cancers, lymphatic issues, heart valves, blood supply patterns in the heart etc. Each abnormality will have a different treatment as per the condition. The healthcare expert can suggest treatment only after analysing the MRI report and the condition reported in the MRI report.
Conclusion
An ankle MRI is used to diagnose abnormalities in the ankle and the surrounding tissues. An ankle is made up of different bones, ligaments, tendons, tissues and capillaries. Ankle MRI is helpful in the diagnosis of cancer, tumours, injuries, fractures, avascular necrosis, fibromatosis etc. MRI procedure needs technical staff and inform the healthcare provider of body implants and conditions before going for the scan. MRI can use contrast or not depending on need and doctors advice. Patients need to look for certain facilities, accreditations and expertise before choosing any diagnostic facility for MRI.
FAQs
What is an ankle MRI?
Ankle MRI is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging non-invasive medical diagnostic tool for the detection of disorders and diseases related to the ankle.
What are the uses of ankle MRI?
Ankle MRI is used to check for fractures, injuries, tumours, avascular necrosis, fibromatosis, tendon injuries etc. in the ankle etc.
What is the difference between an MRI scan and a PET scan?
MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves while PET scans use radioactive tracers for the detection of abnormalities.
When to go for an ankle MRI scan?
Do not avoid the symptoms related to ankle disorders, go for regular screening to avoid any delay in diagnosis and treatment. (Click for screening)
What are the risks associated with ankle MRI scans?
There are no such risks associated with an ankle MRI scan when conducted in the presence of a healthcare expert and at a good healthcare facility with proper guidelines and protocols.
What is the time taken for an ankle MRI scan?
Ankle MRI can take around 30 to 90 minutes. Timing can also depend on the type of MRI like whether taking contrast or not for MRI.
What is the cost of an ankle MRI scan?
Cost depends on the area and the healthcare facility provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for discounts and the best facility or call at 011-47-444-444 / 011-47-333-333 for price confirmation. (Book Now)
What is the treatment after the ankle MRI scan?
Treatment depends on the condition diagnosed after the MRI. Healthcare experts will analyse the report and suggest a particular treatment as per the condition.
How can you find an ankle MRI scan near me?
You can type an ankle MRI scan near me in Google search for the nearest centres available or click here for consultation.
