Perform an MRI of the sacroiliac joints. MRI of the sacroiliac joints. Advantages of diagnostic examination MRI of the SIJ

What it is?

Magnetic resonance (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints is a modern medical technique that is highly informative. The principle of operation of this diagnostic test is based on the creation of a powerful magnetic field artificially. Under the influence of a magnet, hydrogen atoms located in the human body are activated, which produce radio waves. Thanks to this, high-detail images are constructed - sections. If you superimpose the slices one on top of the other, you can get a three-dimensional volumetric image of the area under study, that is, the sacroiliac joints.

It is not difficult to carry out a diagnostic procedure to study bone joints in Moscow. The examination does not cost too much; it allows one to detect diseases and changes even if the clinical picture is not clearly identified. Diagnostic tests are carried out using special equipment - magnetic resonance imaging scanners. They are installed in diagnostic centers, metropolitan hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private medical clinics.

Why do they do it?

Doctors prescribe an appointment to conduct a diagnostic magnetic scanning procedure if any pathological phenomena occurring in the bone joints are suspected. With the help of a timely examination, you can identify:

degenerative changes;
abnormalities in the development of bone structures;
developing diseases - for example, ankylosing spondylitis;
oncological processes.

The study can be carried out for the primary diagnosis of diseases, when preparing doctors for surgery, to monitor the condition of a patient with previously discovered pathological conditions.

Preparing for the examination

Traditionally, medical preparation of patients for magnetic resonance includes:

choosing comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement;
refusal to eat food two to three hours before the procedure;
removal of metal jewelry and objects - wallets, handbags, belts, piercings, as well as removable dentures.

If you have pacemakers, aneurysm clips, endoprostheses, or other devices for medical reasons, tell your doctor. Patients with claustrophobia and anxiety may be advised to take sedatives as prescribed by their doctor before the procedure.

Indications

An MRI of the sacroiliac joints in Moscow is necessary in order to diagnose one of the most important pathological conditions:

inflammatory or infectious diseases;
calcium salt deposits;
arthropathy;
traumatic injuries to ligaments and joints;
manifestation of osteochondrosis;
oncological conditions, including benign or malignant;
abnormal growths of tissue located next to the spine.

The main indications for the procedure are:

pain in the spine;
restriction of physical activity;
discomfort, feeling of numbness, appearance of “goosebumps”.

Contraindications

MRI of the sacroiliac joints is a safe procedure that, if properly prepared and performed, does not cause side effects. Despite this, there are a number of absolute contraindications to the examination:

early pregnancy (up to three months);
availability of pacemakers and other medical devices;
allergic reaction, renal failure - during MRI with the introduction of a contrast agent;
obesity;
fear of closed spaces.

Pain in the lower back indicates possible problems with the joints of the sacrum and pelvis, which requires a thorough examination. (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints is the most effective and accurate diagnostic method. With its help, you can not only identify various pathologies in the early stages, but also evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

These joints are a paired joint of the pelvic girdle (available on both sides), represented by the sacrum and ilium.

The first is part of the pelvis, connecting with the ischium and pubic bones, they form a single base.

The sacrum consists of five fused vertebrae of the lower part of the spinal column. It is located between the two iliac planes and has a small auricular surface, exactly the same as on the ilium. The articulation of these two ear-shaped surfaces is called the sacroiliac. This is a low-moving joint, the inner part of which is covered with cartilage tissue.

It is considered a very important component of the body, as it performs the following functions:

allows the body to bend in different directions;
fixes the body position in a sitting position;
absorbs movements when walking and playing sports;
plays a role in the articulation of the bones of the lower spine.

That is why any disturbances in the functioning of the sacroiliac joint can lead to serious consequences, including disability.

When diagnosis is required - alarming symptoms

Depending on the patient’s complaints, or if any pathology is suspected, the doctor gives a referral for a tomography.

MRI diagnostics of the sacroiliac joint is required in the following cases:

if pain occurs in the back area, in its lower part;
there is inflammation in the soft tissues in contact with the sacroiliac joints;
there is a crunch or other uncharacteristic sounds in the sacrum;
lameness occurs periodically;
swelling at the joints;
bothered by attacks of heat in the sacral area;
if family members have ankylosing spondylitis, which is inherited;
the presence of various types of spinal abnormalities;
there are chronic;
if there are mechanical injuries to this area;
for periodic inflammations;
to analyze the dynamics of the development of pathologies such as ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of their treatment.

How does the procedure work?

To perform an MRI of the sacroiliac joint, little special preparation is required. First of all, you need to prepare a number of documents, which are provided to the specialist in advance. They include a medical card with a detailed description of the medical history, data from other examinations and a certificate indicating the drugs to which there is an allergic reaction.

There is no need to give up food and drink, but it is better to avoid alcohol and cigarettes for a while. No motor restrictions are required.

MRI scanning is carried out in several stages:

The doctor assesses the patient’s condition and reviews the documents provided. Explains in detail how tomography is performed and what is required of the patient.
Then the patient removes all metal-containing objects and lies down on the tomograph table. Since it is necessary to maintain a motionless position during the procedure, the arms and legs are secured with belts.
The person being examined is either put on headphones or given earplugs to protect the hearing aid from the loud noise produced by the tomograph.
If contrast is needed for diagnosis, it is administered intravenously. There may be a slight chill that goes away after a couple of minutes.
The table moves in such a way that the area of the body being examined is completely immersed in the device.
The scanning process takes place, lasting from thirty minutes to an hour. There should be no pain or discomfort during the entire procedure. A feeling of slight warmth in the body is considered normal.
The table slides out and the procedure is considered complete.

The patient can receive images within an hour after diagnosis, which is another advantage of tomographic examination.

About contraindications

Magnetic resonance imaging involves the effect of a powerful magnetic field on the body. Despite the safety of the procedure, it is not suitable for everyone. to carry out this type of diagnosis are:

pregnancy, especially the first trimester during the formation of the main significant structures of the fetus. In extreme cases, they try to carry out tomography closer to the third trimester, when the risk of harming the child is significantly reduced;
lactation, while feeding the baby with breast milk, you should not conduct diagnostics with contrast. The administered substance enters the child’s body through the mother and can provoke an allergic reaction;
metal objects in the body that cannot be eliminated. These include braces, plates, implants, dentures, etc. The exception is titanium elements. Since it is an inert metal, a magnet has no effect on it. However, it is still necessary to inform the specialist about the presence of titanium inserts, since it may be necessary to change the device settings;
if the patient is in very serious condition;
fear of closed spaces, the occurrence of panic attacks. It is necessary to take sedatives. In extreme cases, when claustrophobia is serious, you cannot do without light anesthesia for the duration of your stay in the tomography machine;
renal or liver failure;
high sensitivity of the body to foreign substances, in this case to contrast;
if your body has an electronic pacemaker, hearing aid, insulin pump or neurostimulator. A magnetic field can disable these mechanisms;
when body weight exceeds 120 kilograms, diagnostics will not be possible, since the capabilities of the device are limited by this figure.

Decoding the results - what pathologies can be identified

The results of MRI studies of the sacroiliac joint are transmitted to the attending physician. It analyzes the images and identifies deviations in them. Thus, using scanning, the following pathologies can be identified:

violation of the integrity, anomalies and other damage to the joints;
what stage of development is osteochondrosis at;
protrusion of intervertebral discs;
places of soft tissue injury;
osteochondrosis;
deposition of excessive amounts of calcium salts in blood vessels
the presence of neoplasms of various types, most often intervertebral hernia and cysts are detected;
pinched nerves of the spinal cord;
where the inflammation is located, and the presence of fluid around the lesions and its quantity is also detected.
arthritis of different types
Bekhterev's disease, characterized by ossification of the vertebrae and muscles;
places where cartilage is damaged
insufficient blood circulation in the joint area;

To assess the condition of the vessels and circulatory system, as well as to determine the nature and parameters of neoplasms, contrast enhancement is necessary. For this purpose, drugs based on gadolinium are used.

After deciphering the images, additional research is usually not required, since the scan is sufficient to make an accurate diagnosis. Based on the results obtained, the doctor decides on further treatment or referral of the patient to another specialist.

Conclusion

MRI of the sacroiliac joint allows you to identify pathology in the early stages and stop the process, preventing the disease from progressing. Timely diagnosis allows you to avoid not only unpleasant consequences, but also a wheelchair. Therefore, if you have certain symptoms, you should undergo a tomographic examination as soon as possible.

The sacroiliac joint is the connection between the iliac bones and the sacrum. The formation is located in the lower back, slightly below the waist. MRI of the sacroiliac joints is a safe and most informative method for studying them. Based on visual data, it is much easier for a doctor to determine the presence of a disease and outline a plan for future treatment.

MRI machine PHILIPS INTERA 1.5T

The PHILIPS INTERA 1.5 T MRI machine is designed with increased patient comfort and increased system throughput in mind. This is achieved thanks to a wide tunnel, which virtually eliminates the risk of claustrophobia and provides excellent access to the patient due to the minimum length of the straight section of the tunnel compared to other similar systems and a wide bell.

What does MRI of the sacroiliac joints show?

The ability to detect pathology in the early stages is one of the main advantages of MRI. Even small formations will not escape the eye of the technology, which significantly affects the effectiveness of treatment. In the case of MRI of the sacroiliac joints, the price varies in different areas and depends on many factors. The procedure shows:

the presence or absence of damaged cartilage tissue at the joint;
accumulation of fluid in inappropriate places;
areas of excessive calcium deposition;
joint gap width;
various bone pathologies and growths.

Magnetic resonance scanning is widely used in developed countries. Most diagnoses are based on it. This applies to even the most complex diseases and disorders.

Indications for MRI of the sacroiliac joints

Development of inflammatory processes. This group includes tuberculosis, ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis, sacroiliitis, and Reiter's disease.
Injuries suffered. MRI of the sacroiliac joints is prescribed if sudden pain occurs after injury. The cause may be a difficult birth, a previous pelvic fracture, increased load on the spine, a sharp bend, etc.
Osteoarthritis. Either a developed disease or suspicion.
Genetic abnormalities. This could be different leg lengths, asymmetrical pelvic design, etc.

Contraindications to MRI of the sacroiliac joints

use of pacemakers and other implants;
pregnancy or breastfeeding;
vessel clips;
metal elements (plates, screws, bolts, various types of fasteners);
any other valves, pumps, nerve stimulators containing metal.

Preparation for MRI of the sacroiliac joints

No special preparatory measures are required for MRI of the sacroiliac spine. Rather, you must be prepared psychologically. Sign up for the procedure at a convenient time, don’t be nervous, follow all the specialist’s instructions. Then the scanning results will be of high quality.

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.
With a genetic predisposition to the occurrence of ankylosing spondylitis and the HLA-B27 gene.
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 back pain, which leads to a decrease in performance and difficulty in physical 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.

Also, magnetic resonance diagnostics 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-type devices, a sedative may be administered to him 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 usual 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 examination of the sacroiliac joints is by far the most informative method for diagnosing diseases of these joints. MRI examination allows one to qualitatively visualize both the bone tissues of the sacroiliac joints and soft tissues and evaluate both morphological changes in this area and functional disorders of the ACL. In addition, MRI also allows one to assess the degree of inflammatory changes in the joints and determine the activity of the inflammatory process in sacroiliitis, including a disease such as ankylosing spondylitis. In addition, MRI of the ACL can also visualize pathological changes in the pelvis (for example, tumors).

Indications for MRI of the sacroiliac joints.

Pelvic injuries (suspected pelvic fractures, including stress fractures in athletes)
ACL damage (tears)
Suspicion of metastases or primary tumors of the pelvic bones
Excessive bone growths (osteophytes, exostoses)
ACL arthritis
Presence of foreign bodies in the pelvic cavity
Presence of pain in the ACL area

Contraindications for MRI

Implanted devices (pacemaker or defibrillator)
Cochlear implants
Clips on vessels
Stents placed in blood vessels
Artificial heart valves (with metal content)
Implanted pumps
Joint endoprostheses (with metal content)
Implanted nerve stimulators
Metal pins, screws, plates, or other fasteners containing metal
Pregnancy

The duration of MRI examination of the sacroiliac joints, as a rule, does not exceed 20-30 minutes. The study is absolutely harmless and painless.

MRI examination of the ACL area is not recommended in the presence of an acute pelvic injury (for example, a fall from a height or a traffic accident), since it is difficult for the patient to remain motionless for a long time due to pain. In addition, MRI examination takes quite a lot of time, and in acute injuries, rapid diagnosis is sometimes necessary to determine adequate treatment tactics and, therefore, in such cases, CT or radiography is preferable.