MRI Foot

Cadabams Diagnostics Difference: 3T Scanners, Same-Day Reports

• 3T magnet strength = twice the detail of standard 1.5T machines
• Sub-millimetre slices reveal tiny tendon tears and hairline fractures
• Radiologists on-site deliver reports within 4–6 hours

Quick Facts at a Glance

• Duration: 20–30 minutes
• Radiation: Zero
• Pain: None
• Walk-in or appointment: Both accepted

• Bone marrow signal – detects bruising, infection, tumour
• Tendons & ligaments – checks for sprains, tears, degeneration
• Plantar fascia & fat pads – evaluates thickness, inflammation
• Joint spaces – cartilage loss, effusion
• Neurovascular bundle – nerve entrapment, vessel compression

Diagnosing Fractures Missed on X-ray

Up to 30 % of metatarsal stress fractures are invisible on initial X-rays. MRI FOOT spots bone oedema within 24–48 hours of injury.

Evaluating Soft-Tissue Masses

• Ganglion cysts vs. giant-cell tumours
• Lipomas vs. malignant sarcomas
• Synovial thickening in rheumatoid arthritis

• High-resolution soft-tissue detail – 0.4 mm slice thickness
• No radiation exposure – safe for children and pregnant patients (after 1st trimester)
• Multi-planar views – sagittal, coronal, axial, and 3-D reconstructions
• Functional sequences – dynamic contrast to assess blood flow

Clothing & Jewellery Guidelines

• Wear cotton T-shirt and shorts or hospital gown
• Remove watches, rings, toe rings, anklets
• No metal zips, under-wires, or sequins

Fasting Rules (Only if Contrast Planned)

• 4-hour fast for solid food; clear fluids allowed
• Hydrate well post-scan to flush gadolinium

Prior Imaging Comparison Disks

Bring CD or cloud link of previous X-ray, CT, or MRI for side-by-side comparison.

Kidney Function Tests for Contrast

• Serum creatinine & eGFR within 30 days if > 60 years or diabetic
• Instant eGFR available at Cadabams Diagnostics lab if needed

Early Morning Slots for Claustrophobic Patients

• Less waiting = lower anxiety
• Technologist can spend extra time explaining procedure

Avoid Scheduling During Acute Swelling

• Severe oedema can blur soft-tissue detail
• Wait 48–72 hours after acute sprain for clearer images

Pediatric & Geriatric Suitability

• Children > 5 years can usually cooperate; younger kids may need sedation
• Elderly patients with joint replacements are routinely scanned

Pregnancy Guidelines

• 1st trimester: Avoid unless absolutely necessary
• 2nd & 3rd trimester: Safe with physician approval

1. Positioning: You lie feet-first into the scanner; a soft foam cushion supports the ankle.
2. Coil placement: Dedicated 16-channel foot coil clicks gently around the foot.
3. Earphones: Music or podcast to mask knocking sounds.
4. Stillness: Keep foot motionless; each sequence lasts 3–5 minutes.
5. Duration: 20–30 minutes total (add 10 minutes if contrast is used).

MRI Safety Questionnaire

• Tattoos: Inform if < 3 years old (some inks contain iron)
• Implants: List all surgeries, even dental screws
• Claustrophobia history: We offer mild sedation on request

Contrast Dye Considerations

• Gadolinium is safe in 99.9 % of patients
• Kidney function test (eGFR) required if eGFR < 30

Claustrophobia & Metal Implants

• Open-bore 3T scanner reduces claustrophobia
• MRI-safe implants (titanium screws, modern joint replacements) are fine
• Pacemakers & cochlear implants need screening first