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Diagnosing Sports Injuries With Open MRI: A Safer Option for Athletes

Athlete preparing for an open MRI after a sports injury

If you have ever rolled an ankle or felt a sudden pop in your knee, you know how quickly a sports injury can sideline you. What you may not know is how easily you can access an open MRI for sports injury diagnosis in places like Brooklyn, New York. A fast, accurate diagnosis informs your treatment plan, which directly affects how soon you might return to the activities you love. 

This guide covers how our open MRI in Brooklyn, NY, works.

What an Open MRI Scan Can Do for Injuries in Brooklyn

A patient undergoing an open MRI scan in Brooklyn, assisted by a healthcare professional, offering a comfortable alternative for those with claustrophobia.

A magnetic resonance imaging machine uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your bones, muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Thanks to the technology, radiologists can often spot cartilage damage, nerve injuries, and small tears. 

According to the National Safety Council, exercise and exercise equipment alone caused an estimated 564,845 injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments in 2024. Using an open MRI for sports injury diagnosis has become popular because athletes get hurt often. An MRI can quickly pinpoint the problem.

The Potential Benefits of Open MRI for Detecting Sports Injuries

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that an estimated 12 million people sustain a sports-related injury each year. Basketball, football, soccer, and cycling account for countless injuries, but even the U.S. Coast Guard recorded 3,887 recreational watercraft accidents in 2024 alone. However it happens, your doctor may suggest diagnosing athletic injuries with MRI scanning to detect:

  • Torn ACL or MCL
  • Meniscus and cartilage damage
  • Shoulder labrum tears
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Hairline bone injuries

Facilities like Brooklyn Open MRI also point to the wider design that accommodates different body sizes compared to a closed scanner. These scans may be easier for younger athletes, since a parent may stay nearby. They do not use ionizing radiation, which is one reason MRIs are widely considered safe imaging options for sports injuries compared with X-rays or CT scans.

Contact Brooklyn Open MRI for Quality Medical Imaging Services in New York

 

Read about the importance of an open MRI for sports injury diagnosis here, or call Brooklyn Open MRI today at (718) 400-6369 to schedule a consultation. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering a sports injury diagnosis using open MRI, these are common questions people ask. 

Is an Open MRI as Accurate as a Closed MRI for Sports Injuries?

Turning to open MRI for sports injury diagnosis can provide highly detailed images. Your physician will determine which type of MRI to use based on the suspected injury’s location.

How Long Does Your Open MRI in Brooklyn Take?

An open MRI for athlete injury assessment typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes. Plan additional time for check-in and a short prescan screening.

Does an Open MRI Hurt?

No, an open MRI is a non-invasive procedure. You may hear some knocking or tapping (you will be provided with ear protection), but you cannot feel the magnetic field or radio waves.