No. You feel no pain; only mild warmth at IV site if contrast is used.

How long does it take?

20–40 minutes, depending on whether contrast is required.

Can I drive after the scan?

Yes, unless you opted for sedation—then arrange a companion.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

Yes, a referral ensures the correct sequences are programmed. Upload during online booking.

What if I have metal implants?

Bring your implant card. Our safety team will verify MRI compatibility before your scan.

What is the approximate cost of an MRI scan for an ankle at Cadabams Diagnostics?

The cost of an MRI scan for an ankle can vary depending on several factors, including the specific type of Ankle MRI being performed (e.g., with or without contrast, MR arthrography), your insurance coverage, and any applicable co-pays or deductibles. For detailed information on pricing, insurance plan participation, and payment options for an Ankle MRI at Cadabams Diagnostics, please contact our billing department directly or speak with our scheduling coordinators.

MRI

MRI Ankle

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MRI Ankle Scan Overview

Quick Facts

Duration: 20–40 minutes
Radiation: Zero
Age Limit: None—safe for children and seniors
Report Turnaround: 24–48 hrs via secure email or patient portal

Why Choose Cadabams Diagnostics

3T Siemens Magnetom for sub-millimetre detail
Same-day or next-day slots—book online in 60 seconds
Dedicated ankle coil for sharper ligament & tendon views
On-site radiologists experienced in sports and musculoskeletal imaging
Transparent pricing—no hidden fees

List of Parameters

List of Parameters Considered During the Ankle MRI

Ligaments

ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament) – first to tear in sprains
CFL (calcaneofibular ligament) – controls side-to-side motion
PTFL (posterior talofibular ligament) – stabilises subtalar joint

Tendons

Achilles tendon – largest tendon; prone to rupture
Peroneals – longus & brevis; prevent ankle rolling

Bones & Cartilage

Tibial plafond, talus, calcaneus, navicular
Subchondral bone marrow oedema

Synovial Fluid & Effusion

Joint effusion volume and signal intensity
Synovial thickening suggestive of synovitis

Reasons for Taking an Ankle MRI

Accurate soft-tissue evaluation – see partial vs complete tears
Pre-surgical planning – map ligaments before arthroscopy
Monitoring healing progress – track tendon re-tears post-rehab

When to Take Test

When and Who Needs to Take an Ankle MRI?

Common Symptoms

Persistent pain after a sprain
Clicking or locking sensation
Swelling that lasts >1 week
Instability when walking on uneven ground

Sports Injuries

Ankle sprains from football, basketball, or running
Achilles tendonitis in long-distance runners
Peroneal tendon tears in dancers or gymnasts

Chronic Pain Cases

Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
Tarsal coalition in adolescents
Post-surgical monitoring after ligament repair

Benefits

Benefits of Taking the Test

Non-invasive – no needles unless contrast is needed
No radiation – repeat scans safe for athletes
Detailed 3D images – rotate view on workstation for surgeons
Early detection of hidden injuries – catch stress fractures before they displace

Illnesses Diagnosed with Ankle MRI

Ligament tears – ATFL, deltoid ligament
Tendon ruptures – Achilles, posterior tibial
Osteochondral lesions – talar dome defects
Stress fractures – navicular, distal fibula
Synovitis – inflammatory or infectious causes

Preparing for Test

Preparing For the Ankle MRI

Pre-Requisites

Remove metal objects – watch, jewellery, hairpins
Fasting not required unless contrast is planned
Arrive 15 min early for paperwork and screening

Best Time

Any time of day
Avoid booking within 24 hrs of acute injury—swelling can blur images

Eligibility

All ages; infants may need paediatric sedation
Cochlear implants & pacemakers must be declared

Procedure

Change into metal-free gown.
Lie on table; ankle coil placed like a cushioned brace.
Stay still for 20–40 min; scanner makes knocking sounds.
Optional contrast injection through IV if ordered.

Caution

Inform the technologist about:

Implants or shrapnel
Claustrophobia or prior MRI reactions

Risks & Limitations of MRI Ankle

Safety Profile

No radiation—safe for children, pregnant women in 2nd & 3rd trimester with doctor’s consent
No contrast reactions in >99 % of cases when gadolinium is used

Contraindications

Pacemaker or ICD (most models)
Cochlear implants
First-trimester pregnancy—elective scans deferred unless urgent

Claustrophobia Considerations

Wide-bore 70 cm magnet reduces anxiety
Sedation on request (oral or IV)
Mirror & music options inside scanner

Test Results

Results and Interpretations

Finding / Observation	Description	General Interpretation / Significance Example
Intact ligaments	Normal	Continue rehab
Normal ligament signal	Thin, uniformly dark on all sequences	No tear
Abnormal ligament signal	Bright T2 stripe or discontinuity	Partial or complete tear
Complete Tear	Discontinuity of ligament fibers with possible fluid, hematoma, or retraction at the tear site.	Indicates a full ligament rupture. May cause significant ankle instability and often needs surgical repair—ankle MRI is ideal for diagnosis.
High-grade ATFL tear	Ligament fully torn	Consider surgery
Tendinosis	Tendon appears thickened with increased intratendinous signal, but fibers are preserved (no tear).	Suggests chronic tendon degeneration due to overuse or aging; often painful and may predispose to tearing if untreated.
Tendon Tear (Partial / Full)	Partial: Some fiber disruption; Full: Complete fiber rupture, often with fluid at tear site and retraction.	Indicates significant tendon damage, such as Achilles tendon rupture, which can lead to loss of function and may need surgical repair.
Bone marrow oedema	Stress reaction	Rest & repeat scan
Bone marrow edema	Bright T2 spot within bone	Stress reaction or fracture
Fracture	Visible cortical or trabecular break, possibly with displacement or bone fragment separation.	MRI can detect subtle stress fractures or occult fractures not seen on X-rays; crucial for athletes and trauma evaluation.
Achilles thickening	Tendinopathy	Physiotherapy
Chondral / Osteochondral Lesion	Damage or thinning of the articular cartilage, possibly extending to the subchondral bone beneath.	Can cause pain, joint locking, or swelling; may progress to early osteoarthritis if untreated.
Cartilage fissure	Linear high signal reaching joint surface	Early arthritis or injury
Joint Effusion	Excess fluid visible within the ankle joint capsule.	Often reflects inflammation, trauma, or infection. Can accompany injuries or degenerative joint disease.
Synovial effusion	Fluid >4 mm in joint recess	Inflammation or infection

FAQs

No. You feel no pain; only mild warmth at IV site if contrast is used.