MRI produces detailed images of both soft tissue and bones using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. MRI is more sensitive to soft tissue injury and abnormalities than conventional imaging techniques. Orthopaedic or MSK MRI focuses on the imaging of abnormalities of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and articular cartilage.  Charter Radiology has expertise in 3 Tesla, high resolution MR imaging, evaluating the fine detail of articular cartilage, ligament and tendon pathology, and other soft tissue structures.

What is Special about MSK MRI at Charter Radiology?

  • 3 Tesla state-of-the-art MRI scanners.
  • Highly detailed imaging with higher resolution and better image quality allows for visualization of articular cartilage and other soft tissue structures.
  • The radiologist overseeing and interpreting the procedure is sub-specialized in musculoskeletal radiology and orthopaedic conditions.
  • Customized MSK protocols are established based on the patient and referring physician’s surgical needs.
  • Dedicated high-resolution coils are used for particular body parts in order to generate the best images.
  • Superior skilled technologists have been trained to perform the advanced techniques offered.
  • Scheduling convenience-We provide extended hours so that your procedure can be scheduled promptly at a time that works best with your busy schedule, even if it’s later in the evening or over the weekend.

Metal Implant Imaging

  • MRI is a very safe and accurate way to diagnose the cause of painful arthroplasty, joint replacement including implant loosening, muscle tears, tendonitis, and adverse reaction to a metal implant.
  • Utilizing different imaging techniques tailored to reduce susceptibility artifacts caused by the metal implant allowing for better image quality and more accurate diagnosis.

Cartilage Imaging

  • MRI is a powerful tool for the morphological and compositional imaging of articular cartilage
  • In addition to the routine 2D imaging sequences, Charter Radiology performs novel 3D imaging sequences for the assessment of the articular cartilage in the joints
  • Use of dedicated high-resolution coils, combined with our high-resolution imaging techniques, has led to increased sensitivity for the detection of early on-set cartilage degeneration and the ability to assess cartilage repairs or transplants.

Biochemical Imaging

Specific applications to calculate parametric maps of the cartilage that is being imaged:

  • Cartilage mapping is the cutting-edge technique to assess articular cartilage prior to and following surgical articular cartilage repair. Current evidence shows that the quality of the repair tissue is the key to success in the long term. Charter Radiology is the only outpatient imaging center that offers this advanced imaging technique to orthopaedic surgeons.
  • This advanced technique allows for early detection of osteoarthritic pathology based on the biochemical properties of the cartilage.