MRI of the sacroiliac joints conclusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints. MRI technique

The spine is exposed to various negative factors, which leads to the occurrence of various diseases and pathologies. To determine pathologies, as well as the causes of their occurrence, doctors prescribe a test such as magnetic resonance imaging. The advantage of this research method is its high accuracy and information content, through which it is possible to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

The principle of MRI of the iliac joints

Magnetic resonance imaging falls into the category of diagnostic techniques that can be used to study various parts of the body, organs, vessels, tendons, bones and tissues. An MRI procedure is used to diagnose the sacroiliac joints, which are located between the pelvic bones and the sacrum. Using this procedure, it is possible to identify diseases such as rheumatoid polyarthritis, as well as ankylosing spondylitis.

It is important to know! During an MRI study, a person is exposed to a magnetic field, which is absolutely harmless and safe.

If we compare MRI with diagnostics such as computed tomography and radiography, then the first option belongs to the safest category, since there is no exposure to x-ray radiation, which is radioactive. MRI diagnostics of the sacroiliac joints is prescribed if there are appropriate indications. Some of these indications include:

Presence of signs of malformations.
Excessive loads placed on the iliac joint and sacrum.
Signs of injury and inflammatory processes in joints and tissues close to this area.

It is important to know! The need for tomography of the iliac joints is decided by the attending physician. You can also undergo diagnostics yourself for preventive purposes, but you should take into account the fact that this type of diagnostics is one of the most expensive.

Advantages of diagnostic MRI examination

What the MRI diagnostic technique shows when examining the sacroiliac joints can be found out after undergoing tomography. The main advantage of the method is a high degree of information content, as well as the absence of a negative impact on humans. You can re-diagnosis even after five minutes, since any negative effects are completely excluded.

Another significant advantage is the non-invasiveness of the method. This means that examining internal organs does not require violating the integrity of the skin, as is inherent in colonoscopy and other similar techniques. MRI images are images of the organ being examined in the form of sections. These sections allow us to identify pathology and determine the dynamics of deterioration.

It is important to know! Despite the significant number of advantages, this procedure also has disadvantages. They are presented in the form of high diagnostic costs, as well as the presence of contraindications.

When is it indicated to undergo an MRI of the iliac joints?

If there is suspicion of the formation of spondyloarthritis and sacroiliitis.
If the patient is predisposed to the occurrence of ankylosing spondylitis.
For osteochondrosis.
With the development of inflammation in the joints of the lower extremities.
If the patient suffers from pain in the back.
If injuries occur in the lower back and pelvic bones.

Diagnostics can be prescribed if the patient has ankylosing spondylitis, which is required to monitor the course of the disease.

It is important to know! The main condition for obtaining high-quality MRI images is complete immobility of the patient throughout the entire diagnostic period.

What can diagnostics determine?

You can find out what the magnetic resonance imaging scanner shows immediately after the procedure is completed. Using this painless method, pathologies such as:

foci of inflammation in the spinal cord;
signs of tumors, as well as their size;
various types of neoplasms;
osteochondrosis;
pathologies, anomalies and disorders in the joints;
detection of hernias and other types of neoplasms;
identify signs of multiple sclerosis and vascular disorders.

At first glance, a simple diagnostic method is quite informative. It has found its application in almost all branches of medicine, through which it is possible to identify fatal diseases in thousands of people every day.

When is the study contraindicated?

Indications for an MRI do not mean that the patient will be able to undergo such a procedure. Before undergoing the study, the patient must make sure that he does not have the following contraindications:

Claustrophobia and other nervous disorders in which the patient will not be able to lie still for a long time inside the capsule.
Metal and electronic implants. This method is based on the principle of creating a magnetic field. The magnetic field affects metal objects and electronic devices. Metal implants in the body contribute to distortion of images in photographs, and electronic devices may malfunction.
Pregnancy. You can undergo testing during pregnancy, but with the exception of the first trimester. If tomography with contrast is prescribed, then it is better to refuse MRI at all stages of pregnancy, as well as when feeding the baby with breast milk.
The patient's weight is over 120 kg. The devices are designed primarily for a maximum patient weight of up to 120 kg.
Tattoos.
Allergy to contrast. If the patient has signs of an allergy to the contrast agent, then MRI can only be performed without enhancement.

It is important to know! The patient must ensure that there are no contraindications even before the diagnosis is carried out.

If the patient has certain types of contraindications, it is important to inform the specialist about this.

Diagnostic features

MRI is performed after preliminary preparation of the patient, which includes refusing to eat food 6-8 hours before the session. The tomography algorithm is as follows:

You must remove all jewelry, makeup and clothing, and then put on a disposable robe.
Lie down on a special tomograph table, after which the specialist will secure his body with straps.
When the tomograph is started, the table automatically moves inside the capsule, after which the patient will hear the noise of the operating device throughout the entire time.
If tomography without contrast does not reveal pathology, then an additional contrast agent is injected. The main way to administer contrast is through a vein.
When performing a tomography, the patient may feel a metallic taste on the teeth.
The duration of the study is about 1 hour.
When the procedure is completed, within an hour the patient can receive images, as well as a conclusion from the diagnostician.

In conclusion, the specialist describes the nature of the pathology, changes in the organs being examined, disorders, defects and other deviations from the norm. Based on the conclusion, it will not be difficult for the doctor to make a diagnosis. If it is necessary to clarify the size of the pathology, its type, shape or location, the doctor refers to the pictures. Thus, magnetic resonance imaging is a highly accurate and informative method, the benefits of which are simply priceless.

If a patient has problems in one of the parts of the spine, he is usually prescribed a comprehensive examination. We will tell you what MRI is and how to properly prepare for tomography of the sacroiliac joint so that the results are more informative.

MRI is a diagnostic tool that helps to carefully examine any part of the body, in particular the condition of the sacroiliac joints. The latter are located between the pelvic bones and the sacrum.

Magnetic resonance imaging helps to identify ankylosing spondylitis at an early stage, as well as the presence of rheumatoid polyarthritis in the patient.

It is noteworthy that it does not use X-rays, so it is considered safe for human health.

MRI of the sacroiliac joint is indicated if a person has the following problems:
various developmental defects;
excessive load on the iliac joint and sacrum;

if the patient has injuries and inflammation in the joints and surrounding soft tissues.

Key benefits of MRI

Many patients wonder what the study shows before undergoing the procedure. MRI diagnostics of the sacroiliac joints provides the most complete information about the patient’s health status, while the magnetic device does not provide any radiation exposure.

This test can be performed on a patient several times over a short period of time. Another advantage is that the procedure takes pictures of the problem area from different angles and with high accuracy. This makes it possible to identify pathological changes in the initial stages of their appearance. Using the resulting images, the specialist can examine the condition of the sacral joints, as well as muscle bundles.

Indications for diagnostics

Many patients have questions about what the procedure shows and whether they need it. Typically, specialists prescribe tomography:
If there is suspicion of the formation of ankylosing spondylitis and sacroiliitis.
When a patient is diagnosed with osteochondrosis. It is characterized by the presence of pain that cannot be relieved with anti-inflammatory drugs. Also, the presence of osteochondrosis is characterized by the appearance of cervical and lumbar lumbago, an increase in the load on the joint.
When inflammation occurs in the joints of the lower extremities, and especially the ankle.
For chronic pain in the back, which leads to a decrease in performance and difficulty in motor activity, and an increase in the load on the joint.
With decreased flexibility and mobility of the spinal column.
If there are injuries in the lower back and pelvic bones.

In addition, MRI of the sacroiliac joint is prescribed when diagnosing a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study helps to monitor the course of the disease over time.

What can be seen during an MRI of the sacroiliac joints?

This study diagnoses:

the presence of foci of inflammation in the spinal cord, as well as vertebral discs and joints;
the appearance of expansion in the joint space and bone growths;
the formation of foci of calcium deposits in the articular-ligamentous apparatus, as well as various injuries in the joints;
the presence of tumors in the patient’s body.

Magnetic resonance diagnostics also helps to identify the following types of diseases:

the presence of pathologies, anomalies, disorders in the joints;
development of osteochondrosis;
the appearance of protrusions and disorders in the intervertebral discs;
the presence of a hernia and various neoplasms, as well as injuries in bone and soft tissues, especially in the sacrum;
development of lumbarization of the vertebral bodies and pinching in the nerve endings of the spinal cord;
the presence of multiple sclerosis and vascular disorders.

Contraindications for the study

There are some groups of patients who should not undergo this diagnosis. This category includes people who have metal inserts in their body. These include: hemostatic clips, pacemakers, insulin pumps. They are a contraindication for the patient to undergo tomography.

In these cases, studies are not carried out due to the fact that the magnetic field of the tomograph can negatively affect the operation of the devices in the patient. In addition, metal inserts can heat up and burn a person. Objects made of plastic, polymers or titanium do not have a negative impact on the operation of the tomograph, so if they are available, MRI can be performed, in particular of the sacroiliac joint.

It should also be noted that MRI with contrast for the sacroiliac joints should not be performed on the following categories of citizens:

women during pregnancy or breastfeeding;
in the presence of renal and liver failure.

This diagnosis is not carried out if the patient has an allergic reaction to a special substance. In addition, the presence of an anxiety disorder, in particular claustrophobia, is not considered a contraindication to the procedure. If a person is afraid of closed devices, a sedative may be administered before the procedure.

How do you prepare for diagnosis?

Doctors note that the patient does not require special preparation for a routine MRI examination of the sacroiliac joint. There are no restrictions on the use of medications, food and drinks. There are also no special restrictions in physical activity and exercise. A person should lead his normal lifestyle.

Special preparation is required only if a special substance is administered to the patient. This usually involves testing for an allergic reaction.

Before sending you for examination, in any case, the doctor will tell you what an MRI of the sacroiliac joints is, how to properly prepare for it, and what the tomograph shows.

The patient should take with him to the procedure:

medical record and results of previous studies;
referral from the attending physician for the procedure.

In order for the problem area to be more clearly visible in the image, a special substance is injected into the patient.

MRI of the sacroiliac joints using contrast

Typically, preparations containing gadolinium are used as a special substance. They help to better see small inflammatory foci in the area of the sacral joints in the image. Administration is carried out intravenously. Contrast is released a few hours after diagnosis.

When a substance is administered, there is a high probability of an allergic reaction, so the need for its use is determined only by the attending physician or a radiologist. It is noteworthy that the use of a special substance can increase the price of MRI of the sacral joints several times. In addition, when contrast is administered, the diagnosis takes about 20 minutes.

How is the research conducted?

The patient should arrive in advance for the procedure. This is necessary in order to remove all objects containing metal.
After this, he needs to lie down on a special medical table. He and the person are rolled into the rotating element of the device, while the area being studied must be inside the device.
During the entire diagnosis, the person must remain completely still. This is necessary so that the images are of higher quality and the diagnosis is made correctly.
After the magnetic device has taken several overview images, the specialist raises the question of the need to introduce a special substance. It is rarely used and is necessary if the doctor cannot accurately make a diagnosis, because the resulting images do not provide complete information about the condition of the internal organs.
During the entire procedure, the patient should not experience any discomfort. However, the device makes some sounds, so the patient may be offered earplugs. In addition, a person can take a relative for diagnosis. This may be necessary to relieve psychological stress. When conducting research on a child, the presence of parents is considered mandatory.
Typically the entire procedure takes from 30 to 60 minutes. Its duration depends on the size of the area being studied and the need to inject a special substance.
After the diagnosis is completed, the patient can go home.
The resulting images are delivered to the person within 1 hour. In addition, he receives a conclusion from a specialist on the results of the study. If a special substance was used, the time required to wait for results may be increased. In this case, the results can be given to the patient the next day. In addition, many medical centers send test results to the patient via email.

If a person was examined without a special prescription from the attending physician, then doctors such as a traumatologist and rheumatologist can make an accurate diagnosis.

MRI of the sacroiliac joints for children

Carrying out diagnostics of sacral joints in young children requires the specialist to comply with certain requirements. Doctors note that in order to obtain high-quality images, it is necessary for the patient to remain motionless.

Thus, this diagnosis is not recommended for children under 7 years of age. This is due to the fact that a small child cannot remain motionless for a long period of time.

Parents can also find out in advance from a specialist about what this diagnosis shows and how to properly prepare for it.

Where can I get a diagnosis?

Almost every medical center is equipped with all the necessary equipment for diagnosing sacral joints. In paid medical centers, the patient can independently choose a convenient time for the procedure. As a result, he will not have to wait long in line.

By contacting a paid medical center, a person can find out all the necessary information about the progress of the diagnosis and proper preparation for it.

MRI of the sacroiliac joints is the only opportunity to examine in detail the layer-by-layer structure of the joint and identify pathology. An informative method allows you to notice sacroiliitis changes in the early stages and begin treatment in a timely manner. Instrumental research is safe and has minimal contraindications. The procedure is contraindicated for patients with metal implants and pacemakers.

Advantages of diagnostic examination MRI of the SIJ

Pathological changes in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) are manifested by pain in the lower back, shooting in the thigh and further to the knee. Their cause may be ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease) or sacroiliitis. The joint of the ilium and the sacrum acts as a shock absorber during movement and supports the weight of the body in an upright position. Joint pathology is provoked by high loads, injuries, and autoimmune diseases.

MRI of the SIJ is prescribed after X-ray and CT scanning of the sacroiliac joints. CT scans are better able to show changes in joint space dimensions and bone deformation. CT is more effective to use in the later stages of sacroiliitis, and MRI is recommended for early diagnosis.

The method is based on the phenomenon of magnetic resonance. Special tomograph sensors read pulses sent by hydrogen atoms located in the structure of various tissues.

The main advantages of MRI of the iliac region:
Detection of pathological changes in tissues, cartilage and bones in the early stages. Timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment save the patient from severe consequences and disability.
MRI of the SIJ provides detailed images; a three-dimensional image allows you to study the pathology from different angles.
The procedure does not require special preparation. The result is prepared within an hour.

Indications and contraindications for MRI

To clarify the clinical picture based on the patient’s complaints, the doctor prescribes an MRI. The reasons for the study are:

The presence of symptoms of joint pathology that are not confirmed by radiography.
Injuries of the spine and pelvis.
Hereditary predisposition to ankylosing spondylitis.
The likelihood of tumor formation, the presence of metastases.
Severe pain in the lower back, increasing with exercise, sleeping and sitting.
Signs of joint and tissue inflammation, swelling.
Analysis of the effectiveness of the selected therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Contraindications

The effect of a powerful magnetic field on the body, while safe in most cases, has several absolute and relative contraindications.

If you have metal endoprostheses, MRI is strictly prohibited

Absolute contraindications:

The presence of metal objects and medical devices in the patient’s body. These can be hemostatic clips, metal implants (endoprostheses), pacemakers, insulin pumps, foreign bodies (bullets, fragments), tattoos. Metal heats up under the influence of electromagnetic radiation, and medical devices fail.
The first three months of pregnancy, the period of formation of the child’s organs.
Severe renal and liver failure.
Allergies to iodine and gadolinium preclude contrast scanning.

Relative contraindications:

Emotional state of the person being diagnosed: fear of closed spaces, panic. The administration of mild sedatives by medical professionals will help overcome anxiety.
In the second and third trimester, examination of pregnant women occurs when there is a serious threat to the mother’s health. Doctors have no information about what effect the procedure has on the fetus.
Excess weight does not allow a person to be placed in the apparatus. The patient's dimensions do not fit on the table and in the tomograph channel. It is recommended to lose weight to 130-150 kg, the weight for which the equipment is designed.

Preparation for the procedure

MRI of the SIJ does not require specific preparation or a special diet. If it is planned to introduce a contrast agent into the human body, then a test for sensitivity to gadolinium is carried out the day before.

Before the procedure, all metal jewelry, hairpins, piercings, and dentures are removed. It is recommended to come to the scan wearing clothes made from natural fabric; some clinics provide gowns.

Tomography technique

Before starting the procedure, the patient is given instructions. Headphones are provided to reduce the noise of the device. The tomograph is a closed scanner; you should lie in it quietly, without moving. Study time is about 30 minutes. During the procedure, the person does not experience pain. For some studies, special techniques are used: contrast and fat suppression.

Contrasting

Injecting a gadolinium-based contrast agent intravenously into the patient’s blood can improve the detail of images of the articulation. The drug is safe, as a rule, does not cause allergies, and is quickly eliminated from the body. A contrast agent is indicated when scanning tumors and blood vessels.

Fat Suppression

The mode allows you to obtain the most reliable and complete information about tissues containing fat. The technology is effective in detecting tumors. The scan is performed twice - in normal mode and with suppression of signals from adipose tissue. Differences in MRI findings provide additional clues. The method is supplemented by introducing contrast.

Decoding the results

MRI of the sacroiliac joint shows degenerative changes in bone tissue, cartilage destruction and other pathological processes. The images are sent to the attending physician, who analyzes the clinical picture of the disease. The scan reveals:

tumor neoplasms;
structural anomalies and consequences of injuries;
all types of bone growths;
trabecular edema on MRI of the iliac joint;
inflammation and pinching of spinal cord nerves;
ossification of the spine and nearby tissues with ankylosing spondylitis;
early manifestations of arthrosis;
changes characteristic of sacroiliitis of the first or second degree;
a dangerous amount of calcium salt deposits in the vessels.

The doctor who performed the scan draws up a conclusion on the condition of the joint based on the results of the tomogram and gives it to the patient. The information may be provided in the form of photographs or electronic recordings. After studying the transcript of the MRI results, a traumatologist, rheumatologist or orthopedist makes an accurate diagnosis.

Cost of MRI

In clinics in large cities, prices for MRI of the sacroiliac joints range from 3,300 to 4,500 rubles. Some diagnostic centers offer a discount on overnight examinations. The cost of the procedure depends on the type of tomograph and consumables used.

Do not neglect the referral for magnetic resonance imaging. Informative scanning of organs allows you to start treatment on time, avoiding serious consequences.

The sacroiliac joint is a paired joint that connects the pelvic iliac bone to the sacrum of the spine. Pathologies of this joint often cause excruciating pain in the spine, hip joint or leg. The pain spreads through the muscles and can be “wandering.” Destruction of the joint itself can cause degeneration of the spinal structures and pinching of the sciatic nerve. X-rays in such cases are not informative, because no changes are visible in the pictures. To accurately establish the diagnosis, you need to do an MRI of the sacroiliac joints.

What is tomography. MRI is the most informative method for diagnosing the articular apparatus and all its structures: cartilage, nerves, muscles, ligaments, joint capsule. The operating principle of the tomograph is based on scanning tissue in an electromagnetic field. The device consists of a powerful permanent magnet and gradient coils, a scanner and a computer. It is programmed to scan any part of the body and process the information flow for reconstruction into an image in 3D format.

You can do an MRI of the pelvis, spine or, for example, knee joints. The contrast image will show the anatomical boundaries of the organs, their sizes, outlines and internal structures. Speaking figuratively, MRI allows you to see any part of the body in cross-section, and in several planes. For example, MRI of the pelvic bones makes it possible to create a series of cross-sectional images from different angles of the pelvis, in which any pathologies and changes will be clearly visible: crack, fracture, osteomyelitis, necrosis, cancer.

Why is the examination carried out? A lower back that aches due to the weather, pain in the hip area when walking, pain in the abdomen - these are symptoms of several dozen diseases for which it is impossible to establish a diagnosis. And if a patient comes with complaints that “his lower back is shooting, his kidneys are hurting, his legs are buzzing,” then the problem turns into an equation with many unknowns. In order not to treat non-existent radiculitis or pyelonephritis (which the patient may have, but has nothing to do with pain), you need to undergo an MRI of the sacroiliac joints.

These joints are indeed often affected and become a source of problems. The reason may be:

arthritis (inflammation of the structures of the joint apparatus);
arthrosis - degenerative-dystrophic changes (destruction);
joint dysfunction with impaired motor mobility (abnormal hypermobility or blocking);
damage to ligaments and muscles;
joint infection, etc.

The complex structure and heavy load on these joints makes them very vulnerable. They are easily damaged by injury, for example, from a fall during winter ice.

Indications for MRI of the sacroiliac joints

developmental defects, congenital anomalies;
pain in the legs, in the buttocks, pelvis, lower back, sometimes in the knee and below;
injuries;
limited mobility or instability (the patient cannot lift a straight leg or even pull a bent leg towards the stomach);
crunching, clicking in the joint;
inflammation, swelling
suspected tumor.