Understanding the MRI

Like a standard MRI or magnetic resonance imaging machine, the Standing MRI uses a magnetic field and produces a pulsating electromagnetic signal that you can faintly hear to generate a detailed 2D or 3D computer image of the human body. The MRI does not rely on ionizing radiation, which is used for general x-rays and CT scans.

The 2D or 3D images that are produced by MRI are detailed, so they not only help identify injuries and issues but can also be used to help determine their severity. Common problems that can be assessed by our MRI scanner include injuries and pain of the lower back, neck, foot, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist.

At Brighton Standing MRI you will find a team of professionals with imaging expertise and extensive experience in MRIs and radiology, supported by a group of consultants.

Improved assessment of injuries and illnesses

While traditional MRI scans have proven invaluable, they have their limitations. The conventional approach involves scanning patients in a supine (lying down) position, which, for certain health concerns, falls short of comprehensive assessment.

In response to this, our state-of-the-art MRI scanner offers a remarkable leap forward in diagnostic capabilities. Here's a closer look at the advantages of our weight-bearing MRI approach:

  1. Precise Pain Assessment: Placing patients in the very position where they experience discomfort allows for precise diagnosis, capturing the issue at its source.
  2. Unravelling Origin and Severity: Weight-bearing imaging provides critical insights into the origin and severity of injuries and issues, enhancing the accuracy of diagnoses.
  3. Biomechanical Understanding: We delve deeper into the biomechanical behaviour of injuries and issues, offering a more holistic perspective on musculoskeletal conditions.
  4. Posture's Role: Posture can significantly impact various health problems. Our innovative MRI system allows for posture evaluation, shedding light on its role in injuries or issues.
  5. Enhanced Post-Surgical Assessment: For patients who have undergone surgery, our weight-bearing MRI aids in evaluating post-surgical tissues, providing essential information for treatment adjustments.
  6. Revealing Hidden Complexities: In numerous cases, our weight-bearing MRI uncovers injuries or issues that elude standard lying-down MRI scans, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis.

This advancement not only offers a revolutionary approach to diagnostic imaging but also enables healthcare professionals to craft tailored treatment and management plans. By understanding the intricacies of your condition, they can guide you toward effective solutions, ultimately improving your quality of life.

Bayside Standing MRI’s commitment to innovation and compassionate patient care continues to redefine the boundaries of diagnostic imaging. The future of precise, tailored diagnostics begins here, with our weight-bearing MRI technology at the forefront.

Preparing for a visit to the Standing MRI

Unlike some medical diagnostic techniques, having an MRI won’t cause undue pain or any ill-effect. Best of all, for people who suffer from claustrophobia or a similar anxiety, our MRI scanner is not fully enclosed. Its open features make it more friendly for people who suffer from claustrophobia, compared with the traditional tunnel MRI scanners that are more enclosed.

All you need to do to prepare for the standing MRI is to remove your mobile phone, credit cards, jewellery and other metallic objects, because they can interfere with the MRI’s magnets and the quality of the images. The exam generally takes one hour to complete and is usually a comfortable experience for the patient. You just hear the various noises of the electromagnetic scanner – earplugs/headphones are not essential for most scans.

Traditional MRI scan on the left; standing MRI scan on the right. The scan under weight bearing load on the right shows the extent of the injury to the knee and gives specialists the knowledge they need to provide the best treatment.

Traditional MRI scan on the left; standing MRI scan on the right. The scan under weight bearing load on the right shows the extent of the injury to the knee and gives specialists the knowledge they need to provide the best treatment.

The scan under weight bearing conditions on the left accentuates the damage to the spine and gives specialists a better understanding of the injury.

The scan under weight bearing conditions on the right accentuates the damage to the spine and gives specialists a better understanding of the injury.