Open MRIs

Posted by Wei Mai on December 12th, 2019

Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Open MRI) is an advanced diagnostic imaging procedure that creates detailed images of internal bodily structures and organs in an open machine instead of the tube shaped machine. These are machines that follow the same principle as traditional MRI machines but differ in design. A conventional MRI machine is a large box shaped machine with an open-ended tunnel where the test is performed.

A patient is asked to lie on a comfortable padded table that slides inside the tunnel so that those parts of the body that have to be scanned are inside the tube or tunnel. The patients lie in closed area inside the machine. The tests take few minutes and loud, repetitive clanking and thumping noises are heard by the patients during the test as the scanning proceeds. Lot of people experience a claustrophobic sensation and anxiety because of the tunnel shaped machine and hear loud noises when the test is being performed.

Open MRI machines are also called patient friendly machines as they help obese, elderly, claustrophobic and pediatric patients to undergo the test comfortably in the open design machines. Open MRI machines are also suitable for patients with posttraumatic stress syndrome. As these machines have no confining tunnel, they are not claustrophobic and for more info please use this guide friendly MRI

These are quieter and do not make those noisy sounds enabling the patient to lay comfortably on a cushioned table for an extended period of time. Friends or close family members are also allowed to sit with the patients during an open MRI exam. A typical open MRI scam is performed in 30 to 60 seconds depending on the procedure followed by the doctor. Some kinds of scanning that are not possible in closed MRI scanners can be performed in open MRI scanners. Open MRI systems are rapidly becoming a preferred choice and are a welcome alternative to conventional MRI scans.

A stress fracture can occur in the ankle or foot, as well as a multitude of other places. Usually caused from overuse, the injury causes a small crack in the bone that generates from significant amount of stress over time to the area.

Many patients report an increase in activities, such as exercise, which brought on the symptoms associated with a stress fracture. These activities can be as mild as walking or as intense as running or lifting weights.

Excess stress can be put on the region, such as the foot or ankle, which results in a crack in the bone. The foot and ankle are among the most common places on the body for these fractures to show up.

Stress Fracture Causes

While the most often seen causes of these fractures to the ankle and foot are from an increase in physical activity, other causes are prominent. These causes may include osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes weak bones through decalcification. A person with osteoporosis may become highly susceptible to breaking a bone even with a small amount of activity.

Athletes who perform high impact sports and repetitive movements may also be afflicted with a stress fracture because of the continued stress over time of the body part.

Long distance runners, basketball players, gymnasts and soccer players are among the most common athletes who develop these fractures in their feet or ankles.

How to Determine if You Have a Stress Fracture?

Pain is the most common symptom seen. If you have recently increased your activities and as a result are experiencing pain in your ankle or foot, you may have developed a stress fracture. The pain typically worsens as activity is initiated but may feel better with rest.