Do you experience daily joint pain? Whether you struggle to climb stairs, reach overhead, or simply stand from a seated position, getting accurate answers about your condition matters. Learn how open MRIs in Brooklyn, NY, can identify knee, shoulder, and joint problems while keeping you comfortable throughout the imaging process below.
What Open MRIs Reveal About Joint Problems
Unlike X-rays that primarily show bones, musculoskeletal MRI imaging captures clear pictures of cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding your joints.
Open MRIs can detect various joint conditions, including:
- Meniscus tears in the knee
- Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder
- Ligament injuries
- Cartilage damage
- Tendinitis and bursitis
- Labral tears in the hip or shoulder
- Early-stage arthritis before it appears on X-rays
According to the Journal of the American College of Radiology, the prevalence of knee and shoulder pain is 13% and 7%, respectively. MRI testing helps physicians accurately diagnose and treat patients dealing with this persistent discomfort.
Non-Claustrophobic MRI Scans for Better Patient Comfort During MRI Scanning
With millions of MRIs being performed per year, it’s important to consider patient comfort.
Traditional closed MRI machines enclose you inside a narrow tube. Open MRIs for joint evaluation feature a design that keeps all sides accessible. You lie on a wider table with magnets positioned above and below you rather than surrounding you.
This open design benefits multiple groups of people. Larger patients fit comfortably without size restrictions. Children feel less frightened with a parent nearby.
Between 2.1% to 14.3% of patients fear restriction and suffocation when undergoing an MRI, according to a study in European Radiology. People with claustrophobia avoid the enclosed feeling when undergoing an open scan.
The open configuration also allows technologists to position your joint in specific angles that may reveal problems that static imaging might miss.
How Doctors Use Open MRI Results
Radiologists interpret your MRI images to pinpoint the exact cause of your joint pain. Your doctor then creates a treatment plan based on these findings.
Non-surgical approaches may include physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or injections such as corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma. Some conditions require surgical intervention, and your surgeon may request a pre-operative MRI to plan the most effective approach for your procedure.
Schedule Your Imaging in Brooklyn Today
We provide advanced open MRI technology to diagnose knee, shoulder, and hip problems accurately at Brooklyn Open MRI. Learn more about the benefits of an open MRI at our facility.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Call Brooklyn Open MRI at (718) 400-6369 to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward understanding your joint pain.
FAQs
Learn more about open MRIs below.
How Long Does an Open MRI in Brooklyn Take?
An open MRI generally takes about 30 minutes per study, depending on the specific area being scanned.
Can I Move During the Scan?
You must remain still during the scan to ensure clear images.
What Makes Open MRIs Better for Joint Evaluations?
Open MRIs provide patient comfort while delivering detailed images to accurately diagnose joint problems and plan effective treatments.