Currently, MRI remains one of the most informative methods for visualizing soft tissues (vessels, ligaments, nerve fibers, muscles, etc.) and making the correct diagnosis. During the examination, specialists obtain layer-by-layer images of individual areas, which cannot be done using ultrasound, x-rays or other diagnostic methods. What is MRI of the lower extremities, how is it performed and what will the study show? Let's figure it out together.
Common reasons that require an MRI of the leg are chronic rheumatic diseases or loss of vascular tone and the formation of deposits in them. Usually, a study of a separate area of the lower limb in which the pathological process develops is prescribed.
Indications for performing MRI include the following conditions:
There are few contraindications for performing the study. The absolute ones include:
Carrying out a procedure with contrast enhancement is undesirable for pregnant and lactating women, patients with impaired renal function. Also a contraindication is if a person is allergic to drugs with gadolinium (the contrast agent used).
An MRI examination of the leg involves the diagnosis of the buttocks, soft tissues of the lower leg and thigh, including tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerve fibers, fat, veins and arteries, as well as joints. Examination of the buttock area allows you to assess the condition of the piriformis muscle and blood vessels in this area.
The lower leg is the most difficult part of the leg to diagnose, so patients are often prescribed contrast injection during tomography, which makes it possible to determine the location of the source of inflammation or damage to the tendons and muscles.
MRI examinations help identify many abnormal processes occurring in the limbs. Diagnostics shows:
MRI is often used to determine the presence of the following formations localized in soft tissues:
Based on the results of the examination, the attending physician prescribes a biopsy. This histological analysis will identify degenerated cells, and the doctor will draw up a final conclusion and make a diagnosis.
Under the influence of external negative factors, a person may experience disturbances in blood circulation. To search for the causes of such pathologies, MRI of the vessels of the lower extremities is prescribed, which allows us to identify:
First, gadolinium is injected into a vein. The drug may cause unpleasant sensations in the form of an iron taste in the mouth or a feeling of cold or warmth spreading throughout the body. The component that “illuminates” the cells is used when examining the lower leg, blood vessels, and to search for tumors.
The procedure consists of several stages:
MRI is a safe and painless diagnostic method. After all the manipulations, the person can immediately go home. It will take a specialist 1-3 hours to decipher the images. Some clinics offer a service for sending results to the patient by email.
Prices for examining tissues of the thigh, lower leg and joints in different clinics depend on many factors: type of equipment, qualifications of the specialist, location of the institution. The cost of the procedure in the capital can vary between 5-10 thousand rubles, in other large cities - 3-7 thousand. For an additional fee, you can print photographs on film and record them on electronic media.
Interestingly, in some cities, diagnostics using an MRI scanner is performed 24 hours a day. An overnight examination will cost the patient slightly less than a day session.
Head, spine, internal organs, soft tissues, joints, blood vessels
Head, spine, organs and soft tissues, joints and bones, blood vessels
When diagnosing pathologies of the lower extremities, MRI allows one to assess the morphological state of soft tissues, ligaments, tendons, nerves, cartilage, femoral arteries and other vessels, knee, ankle and other joints.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the leg is recommended for restrictions or blocking of movements, pain, stiffness, swelling of the knee or foot and other symptoms that suggest the development of a disease or the consequence of injuries. The study is also carried out if symptoms continue, if the results of other diagnostic methods are normal and if previous examinations cannot clearly determine the pathological change.
Most often, MRI of the leg is performed to diagnose the following pathological processes:
During the study, it is possible to record the slightest changes in the structure of the joint, blood vessels, and soft tissues. For example, tomography of the knee allows you to visualize the joint capsule, cartilage, ligaments, menisci and other components that often undergo pathological changes and are difficult to distinguish using other diagnostic methods, including ultrasound.
Tomography of the lower extremities can be performed without contrast enhancement. However, in cases where it is necessary to identify tumors or inflammatory processes that are characterized by increased blood circulation, diagnosis is carried out with intravenous contrast. This is due to the fact that the contrast, coloring the vessels, passes into the tissues and accumulates in them. And the more active the blood flow in a certain area of the body, the better the image quality. Also, thanks to contrast enhancement, it is possible to judge ongoing bleeding and the formation of an aneurysm.
In conclusion, we note that the diagnosis is safe for health, since it does not involve radiation exposure, and is absolutely painless.
Here you can also read about MRI of the pelvis, MRI of the mammary glands, brain and other organs.
MRI of the leg is one of the most popular and recommended modern types of examination for problems with the ankle or knee joints.
It is also often used to identify the characteristics and pathologies of the vessels of the lower extremities.
Both young and old people are susceptible to various types of joint injuries: dislocations or sprains.
These are the everyday annoying problems that most people face these days.
Atherosclerosis and osteochondrosis are becoming common diseases and are becoming more common even in young and middle-aged people.
Ordinary, but no less painful: they need to be identified and treated in time. The modern rhythm of life requires a person to be able to quickly “get back on his feet.”
Therefore, people often resort to this type of diagnosis in order to quickly receive a high-quality and complete examination, a correct diagnosis and treatment.
This research method is also recommended in complex cases with ambiguous symptoms for an in-depth study of the disease picture.
The action of the MRI diagnostic method is based on the effect of nuclear magnetic resonance (MMR). This effect was first noticed and studied in the middle of the last century, and found its application in medicine another 30 years later.
Since then, the MRI method has confirmed its exceptional information content, convenience and safety.
Unlike radiography, it does not irradiate the patient and shows a clear and three-dimensional image of the problem area, and it is easier to examine the structures of blood vessels or joints than with ultrasound.
Modern MRI machines are very convenient for conducting research and are made so that the patient feels as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
There are several varieties of these devices: they can be closed or open, and are also designed for different weights. Open type devices are considered less informative.
The MRI method copes well with pressing and serious problems, helping doctors quickly and competently make a diagnosis and choose a treatment strategy. With its help you can get a clear three-dimensional image of any area of the human body.
Tomography can be performed with or without contrast. Contrast is most often used to fully study the structural features of blood vessels.
When examining joints, contrast is usually used to better identify tumors. When examining the vessels of the lower extremities, a contrast agent is injected into the artery before the procedure.
This method will allow you to examine the features of joints or vessels in different sections from several sides without invasive examination, which is especially good for patients in a weakened state, the elderly and children.
One of the general indications for MRI of the vessels of the lower extremities is disturbances in the venous or arterial circulation, which may be a consequence of the influence of various factors - sedentary or, conversely, “standing” work, the appearance of abnormal formations, poor lifestyle, vascular injuries, and family history.
Depending on the purpose of the study, the MRI procedure of the legs can be performed partially or completely, from one or from different sides.
Only a doctor can accurately determine the required area for examination, highlighting a narrow area or deciding to conduct a more general diagnosis.
Other indications for the use of MRI include:
Pathological processes in the joints of the legs have a wide variety of etiologies. This could be the consequences of various types of injuries or the result of an advanced disease.
MRI will provide the clearest possible diagnosis of various types of pathologies in tissues and joints.
This research method allows you to avoid punctures, invasive interventions, as well as unnecessary radiation during the next X-ray examination.
Diagnosis of joints using MRI will also have its own indications:
To accurately localize tumors, the doctor may prescribe an MRI with contrast. Due to some specificity of the method, there are contraindications to the use of this type of research.
The MRI procedure cannot be performed on people who have metal prostheses.
During the examination, a strong magnetic field is created, and the presence of such elements (on or in the body) can cause harm to the patient’s health.
For the same reasons, MRI is contraindicated for people with tattoos or makeup, since the paint used for the tattoo or cosmetics may contain metal elements. Accordingly, before the procedure it is necessary to remove from yourself all objects and things that may contain metal.
MRI is contraindicated for people with mental problems due to the specifics of the procedure, and for those who cannot be at rest or are afraid of confined spaces.
This method is not suitable for people weighing over 130 kg. MRI is contraindicated for pregnant women in the first trimester.
In the second and third trimesters, this procedure can be carried out if it is objectively important, but it is advisable to resort to it as rarely as possible.
The technique is not recommended for people with kidney failure. Patients with an allergic reaction to contrast agents do not undergo MRI with contrast.
Before performing a tomography, you need to prepare for it.
As already written above, before the procedure you need to remove all metal things from yourself and generally remove them from the room in which the examination will be carried out. It is advisable not to wear cosmetics on the day of the MRI.
Since the procedure can be long, and the patient will need to remain motionless all this time, it is necessary to prepare in advance and get rid of irritating factors.
It may be better to go to the toilet before the test. For a better analysis of the disease picture, you need to tell your doctor about the results of previously performed procedures (if any).
An MRI machine is a hollow capsule in which the patient lies during the diagnosis. As a rule, the required body position for examination is the supine position.
The position depends on the purpose of the study. If necessary, a specialist will tell you how to turn around. Also, depending on the purpose of the procedure, the patient may be completely or partially in the capsule.
Sometimes, with an incomplete examination of the legs (for example, when diagnosing the ankle joints), the person is conveniently positioned in such a way that only his feet will be in the capsule.
During the procedure, the patient is restrained and should try to remain motionless throughout the entire examination, which can last 30 to 45 minutes.
The machine will make loud buzzing and clicking sounds, so the patient will be asked to use headphones or earplugs.
During the entire examination session, the patient and the diagnostician can maintain voice communication.
After analyzing the information obtained during the MRI, the doctor can make a diagnosis and select the necessary type of treatment.
MRI of the leg is the easiest way to obtain comprehensive information about the condition of the bones, joints and soft tissues of the lower limb, to establish the extent of the pathological process, and to monitor how effective the treatment is.
The examination allows us to identify an extensive list of pathological processes in the tissues of the limb. It can be:
Usually an MRI is prescribed for one area of the leg in which the pathological process occurs. This may be an MRI of the joints of the legs (ankle, knee, hip), foot, lower leg or thigh.
Indications for the procedure will be:
There are two separate groups of contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging and for the use of contrast, a drug that is administered intravenously and is used to obtain clearer images.
Absolute contraindications for MRI of the leg:
Contrast-enhanced MRI is not performed if:
No special preparation is required before the examination. On the day on which the MRI is scheduled, you can eat and take medications at the usual times, drink water and other drinks as needed.
If the patient suffers from claustrophobia and is worried about how everything will go, then you can take a sedative on the day of the procedure.
It is advisable to arrive at the clinic 15-20 minutes before the start of the procedure. This time is necessary in order to have time to change clothes, remove jewelry and leave watches, phones and other electronic gadgets in the locker room that can be damaged by the powerful magnetic field of the device.
Contrast is administered immediately before the procedure begins through a special catheter inserted into a vein.
The patient is placed on a special table, lying on his back. You must remain completely still during the examination.
After the doctor obtains images of the area being examined, the catheter in the vein will be removed and the patient will be allowed to change into their own clothes.
Usually it takes the doctor from 1 to 3 hours to decipher. Therefore, the doctor’s opinion will have to wait. If it is not possible to stay in the clinic, you can receive images and a doctor’s report by email.
When deciphering the received data, the doctor can take into account not only the changes that he sees in the images, but also the results of other instrumental examinations, previously made diagnoses and treatment. It is recommended to take an extract from the outpatient card or hospital epicrisis, if any, with you to the MRI of the leg.
The number of MRI procedures and the frequency with which they can be performed are not regulated, since the magnetic field used to obtain images does not in any way affect the human body and does not adversely affect the condition of organs and systems. In this regard, the examination can be repeated as often as necessary for diagnosis, monitoring the development of the pathological process, and monitoring the results of treatment.
human circulatory system Modern diagnostic research is unthinkable without the use of high-precision MRI devices, which make it possible to scan organs and convert the received signals from a series of multiple thin sections into high-quality images.
In addition, based on the obtained computer-processed images, the doctor can build a three-dimensional three-dimensional model of a network of vessels with different functional features and tissue composition. Such 3D modeling of MRI of leg vessels provides the specialist with the opportunity to carry out visual analysis (visual study of the disease).
As a result of the influence of numerous factors on the physiological state of the lower extremities, the arterial and venous circulation of the legs fails. In order to determine the severity of blood flow disturbances and identify the causes of this, MRI of the vessels of the lower extremities is used - a procedure that can identify with maximum accuracy the slightest abnormal formations, possible vascular injuries, and determine the development of diseases at an early stage of development.
Magnetic resonance imaging scanning of the extremities of the arms and legs can be performed in whole or in part (one segment), on both sides or only on one. The choice of the necessary research object remains with the attending physician and depends on the characteristics and symptoms of the predicted disease. The following reasons for performing MRI of the vessels of the extremities can be identified:
By diagnosing the vessels of the lower extremities using an MRI scanner and studying all the information received, a specialist can establish an accurate diagnosis, making a conclusion about the necessary treatment and choosing promising methods of therapy.
An MRI of the vessels of the legs is performed. If we are talking about various pathologies associated with diseases of the blood vessels and soft tissues of the lower extremities, then the most relevant diagnostic technique is MRI with contrast or angiography. The essence of the method is that immediately before the procedure the patient is injected with a special substance (contrast) into the femoral artery.
Based on an MRI angiography study of the vessels of the lower extremities, the functional and anatomical features of blood flow are assessed. This diagnostic method includes several research methods:
When artificially contrasting blood vessels, an organic solution of iodine is administered, but in case of an allergic reaction to this element, angiography is unacceptable. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging using a contrast agent is contraindicated in the following situations:
Thanks to the digital technology inherent in angiography, the risk of diagnostic trauma has been reduced. This research technique is a safe and highly informative procedure for analyzing and studying the condition of blood vessels.
“My legs are buzzing!” - we complain at the end of a hard day. But pain in the legs can occur not only from fatigue. Let's talk about the reasons more seriously.
Atherosclerosis of the arteries can be indicated by pain in the calves and cramps that occur when walking, running, climbing stairs, and also at night. Both in winter and in summer, with this disease, the feet are always cold. The pulse on the big toe is very difficult to feel. Men may experience problems with potency, and hair stops growing on their toes.
Treatment. For treatment, you should contact a vascular surgeon and undergo ultrasound and magnetic resonance contrast angiography. Smokers, please note that the passion for tobacco aggravates the disease, which in serious cases turns into gangrene.
Endarteritis is an inflammatory process of arterial tissue. It is characterized by acute pain in the calf or foot when walking, occurring after the first 50–100 steps. In addition, there may be numbness in the legs. If you stop and rest, the symptoms go away. However, after some time they appear again.
Treatment. If endarteritis is suspected, the vascular surgeon prescribes a comprehensive examination: MRI, angiography, vascular ultrasound, blood tests for inflammatory factors. If you feel sudden, very severe pain, call an ambulance - there may be a blockage of a large artery. Endarteritis is treated conservatively, as well as surgically.
With arthrosis, arthritis, acute pain occurs in the joint area when walking. In addition, the joints begin to “twist” in cases where you have to stand for a long time. At the same time, the joints themselves begin to “click,” and swelling and redness may appear around them. What is typical: when the weather changes, the pain intensifies.
Treatment. You should consult a rheumatologist for treatment. To confirm the diagnosis, the specialist will prescribe an x-ray of the joints, as well as a general blood test. Arthroscopy can be used as a therapeutic method, but in general, for arthritis, treatment should be comprehensive - medications, physiotherapy, diet, etc.
A sign of thrombophlebitis is constant throbbing pain in the calf muscles. In this case, redness and swelling may be observed, a burning sensation is felt in the calves, the veins in the legs become denser, and touching them is painful.
Treatment. A specialist vascular surgeon must determine how severely the veins are clogged and assess the risk of a blood clot breaking off. To do this, an angioscan is performed and a blood test is taken. Based on the results of the procedures, therapy itself is prescribed. Treatment is often carried out on an outpatient basis.
Osteoporosis is a disease caused by calcium deficiency in the body. This is indicated by leg cramps and severe pain in the calves. At risk are women over 40 years of age, especially those with fair hair and blue eyes.
Treatment. Bone density can be determined by a study called densitometry. Based on its results, special calcium preparations are prescribed.
This disease is characterized by “shooting” pain in the legs, which intensifies with sudden movements. What is symptomatic is that rest does not help, the pain does not go away.
Treatment. For help, you need to contact a neurologist or spine surgeon. Data analysis includes magnetic resonance imaging. Based on its results, the doctor decides whether to prescribe conservative treatment or whether surgery will be more effective.
With diabetes mellitus, leg cramps (often at night), swelling, weakness, tingling, goosebumps, or numbness occur in the legs. In the area of the legs, itching and flaking are felt, and the skin becomes dry.
Treatment. Treatment for diabetes mellitus is prescribed based on the results of a blood test.
A sign of gout is acute throbbing pain in the big toe. At the same time, the finger becomes very sensitive, swells, turns red, and has a fever.
Treatment. At the initial stage of the disease, a diet that limits alcohol, meat and fish snacks, spices, mushrooms, legumes, tomatoes, coffee, cocoa, and chocolate is effective. As a medical treatment, the rheumatologist prescribes a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
With flat feet, fatigue quickly occurs while walking. My feet and legs hurt, and the pain increases in the evening.
Treatment. If you have flat feet, narrow shoes and high heels are contraindicated. The orthopedist will prescribe stinators and special exercises.