MRI - BOTH LEGS

MRI – Both Legs Overview

Introduction 

An MRI of both legs is a diagnostic imaging procedure that is non-invasive for the blood vessels, bones, and muscles of both legs simultaneously along with the soft tissues. This procedure usually is performed while looking into a muscle or joint injury, bone marrow infection, or some vascular pathology of both limbs and legs at the same time. 

What is an MRI of Both Legs? 

An MRI of both legs captures cross-sectional images of the thigh, knee, calf, and even feet in some instances based on clinical rationale. It is capable of detecting damage in muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, joints, and vascular structures and does not utilize ionizing radiation. 

Parameters Considered in MRI of Both Legs

• Skin and subcutaneous tissues.  
• Muscles, tendons, and skeletal structures.  
• Joints including their capsules.  
• Neurovascular bundles.  
• Edema, inflammation, haemorrhage processes, and neoplastic masses. 

Reason For an MRI of Legs

• Determine possible tears, strains, or degeneration of muscles. 
• Evaluate tumours and abnormal growths. 
• Assess for infections, abscesses, and osteomyelitis. 
• Diagnose inflammatory conditions such as myositis or vasculitis. 
• Investigate bilateral leg pain in conjunction with swelling or weakness. 
• Operative planning and postoperative evaluation.  

When and Who Needs MRI of Both Legs 

Indications: 

• Pain or swelling that is persistent and symmetrical in both legs.  
• Soft tissue injuries of muscles and ligaments caused by overuse or trauma.  
• Vascular problems like deep vein thrombosis or peripheral arterial disease.  
• Infectious myositis or osteomyelitis.  
• Autoimmune diseases such as polymyositis.  
• Soft tissue or bone tumours that are likely.  
• Systemic illnesses with known limbs involvement like sickle cell, or metastatic disease, and their follow-ups.  

Patient Demographics: 

• Bilaterally lower limb injured athletes.  
• Diabetic patients with suspected infected or neuropathic foot.  
• Leg pain with no diagnosis in elderly patients.  
• Metastatic cancer surveillance patients.  
• Children with limbs which are either not well formed or have developmental problems.  

Benefits of MRI of Both Legs

• Visualization of all soft tissues with detail. 
• Lack of ionizing radiation. 
• Ability to identify subtle or early pathological changes. 
• Aid in devising treatment and surgical plans. 
• Assist in distinguishing between malignancy and benign conditions.  

Diagnosed Conditions in with Leg MRI

• Muscle strains or ruptures. 
• Compartment syndrome.  
• Bony lesions and stress fractures. 
• Bone and soft-tissue tumours. 
• Infective or inflammatory myopathies. 
• Vascular anomalies.  
• Bone marrow infiltration, such as leukaemia or lymphoma.  

Preparation Before MRI of Legs

• No special diet needed. 
• Clothing should not contain metal. 
• Tell technician about any medical implants or surgeries done. 
• If inflammation, infection, or tumours are suspected; contrast may be used.  

Pre-requisites for MRI of Both Legs 

• Must have a doctor’s referral with clinical reasoning for the request. 
• Include renal function testing if contrast is planned. 
• Must complete an MRI safety checklist about metal and implant exposure.  

Best Time to Perform an MRI of Legs 

• When bilateral symptoms are present and ongoing treatment is ineffective. 
• When overall conditions such as infections or cancer are suspected.  
• Prior to surgical or rehabilitative procedure. 

Eligibility for MRI of Both Legs 

• All ages based on medical criteria. 
• Advised against certain metallic implants, pacemakers, and severe claustrophobia without sedation.  
• Enhanced contrast studies avoided in patients with kidney problems.  

MRI of Both Legs Procedure 

• The patient is positioned supine in the MRI with the legs straight. 
• Full length or segmented scans of the legs based on areas of concern.  
• Performed using T1, T2, STIR sequences and some pans are done using post-contrast imaging.  
• Estimated scan time is between 45-60 minutes; total time is dependent on the area imaged and the use of contrast.  
• Patient must remain motionless so images captured will not have motion artifact.  

Caution During MRI of Legs 

• Image quality can be degraded due to movement. 
• Patients with renal insufficiency may be at risk for using contrast. 
• Patients with metallic implants require screening for MRI safety.