MRI Ankle: Price, Purpose, Procedure & Results [2024]
An MRI of the ankle is a medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the ankle joint and surrounding structures. MRI is a non-invasive and painless procedure that allows doctors to evaluate the bones, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues of the ankle. MRI is often used to diagnose and assess injuries and conditions affecting the ankle, such as sprains, fractures, and ligament tears. It can also be used to monitor treatment progress and guide surgical planning if needed. The price of an MRI Ankle ranges from Rs 3499 to Rs 6000 in India.
In this blog post, we will explore the anatomy of the ankle, the advantages of using MRI for imaging the ankle, and what to expect during an MRI ankle scan. We will also discuss the interpretation and accuracy of MRI ankle scans, potential risks and complications, and alternative imaging methods.
MRI Ankle Test Details in Brief
Also Known As | Ankle MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the ankle, MRI scan of the ankle. |
Purpose | To assess the condition of the bones, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the ankle joint and for evaluating injuries to the ankle, such as sprains, fractures, or tears in the ligaments. |
Preparation | No special preparation is required. 4-6 Hours of fasting are required for contrast MRI |
Fasting | No |
Machine Used | MRI Machine |
Reporting Time | <24 Hrs. |
Cost | Rs. 3499 to Rs. 6000 |
Cost of MRI Ankle
MRI Ankle scan prices range from Rs 2999 to Rs 6000. However, the actual price would depend on the type of scan, MRI machine (1.5 or 3 Tesla), MRI centre and city.
Bookmerilab has partnerships with more than 142 MRI centres in India and we provide 10-50% discounts at a Diagnostic centre near you.
Prices at popular MRI centres
Cost of MRI Ankle in different diagnostic centers:
Diagnostic Centres | Test Price |
---|---|
Janta X-Ray Clinic | Rs. 2998 |
Mahajan Imaging | Rs. 6800 – Rs. 7200 |
Aarthi Scan | Rs. 3285 |
Pulse Imaging | Rs. 4550 |
NM Medical | Rs. 7225 |
Shree Krishna Diagnostics | Rs. 4900 |
Vijaya Diagnostic Centre | Rs. 7500 |
Ganesh Diagnostics | Rs. 4800 |
Sarvodya Imaging Centre | Rs. 2500 |
Panacea Healthcare and Diagnostics | Rs. 2565 |
Healthmap Gurugram | Rs. 3307 |
Srivastava MRI-Noida | Rs. 5250 |
Magnum Diagnostic Centre | Rs. 4550 |
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital | Rs. 2625 |
Omega Imaging | Rs. 4550 |
Aloka Medicare Pvt Ltd | Rs. 6650 |
Cost in Different cities
Cost of MRI of Ankle in different cities of India:
Cities | Test Price |
---|---|
MRI Ankle Price in Delhi | Rs. 2499 – Rs. 7200 |
MRI Ankle Price in Gurgaon | Rs. 3285 – Rs. 7200 |
MRI Ankle Price in Noida | Rs. 2500 – Rs. 8000 |
MRI Ankle Price in Mumbai | Rs. 2625 – Rs. 7225 |
MRI Ankle Price in Bangalore | Rs. 3285 – Rs. 8000 |
MRI Ankle Price in Kolkata | Rs. 3285 – Rs. 6650 |
MRI Ankle Price in Hyderabad | Rs. 3285 – Rs. 7500 |
MRI Ankle Price in Chennai | Rs. 3150 – Rs. 3285 |
Anatomy of Ankle
The ankle is the joint where the foot and the leg meet. It is made up of three bones: the tibia and fibula in the lower leg, and the talus in the foot. The tibia and fibula are connected by a strong band of tissue called the interosseous membrane, while the talus sits atop the tibia and fibula to form the ankle joint.
The ankle joint is supported and stabilized by a number of strong ligaments. They connect the bones to each other and allow for a wide range of movement. The most important ligaments of the ankle include –
- Deltoid ligament, which surrounds the ankle joint on the inside and outside
- Anterior talofibular ligament, which runs along the front of the ankle.
- Posterior talofibular ligament, which runs along the back of the ankle.
- The spring ligament of the ankle is a small, fibrous band that runs from the calcaneus (heel bone) to the navicular bone in the foot. Its primary function is to support the arch of the foot and help with balance and stability during walking and standing.
In addition to the bones and ligaments, the ankle also contains a number of tendons, which attach the muscles of the lower leg to the bones of the foot. These tendons, along with the leg muscles, allow for ankle and foot movement. The most important tendons of the ankle include the
- Achilles tendon, which attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone
- peroneal tendons, which run along the outside of the ankle and foot.
Overall, the ankle is a complex joint that is essential for movement and support of the body. Any injury or condition that affects the bones, ligaments, or tendons of the ankle can result in pain, swelling, and loss of function.
Common Injuries Affecting Anatomy of Ankle
Several common injuries can affect the ankle, including sprains, strains, and fractures.
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments, which are the bands of tissue that connect the bones in the ankle joint. This can occur when the ankle is twisted or turned unnaturally, causing the ligaments to stretch or tear.
A strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons in the ankle, which can be caused by overuse or sudden, forceful movement.
A fracture is a break in one of the bones in the ankle, which a direct blow or sudden impact can cause.
Other common ankle injuries include
- Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, and
- shin splints, which are small tears in the tissue covering the shin bone.
Purpose of MRI Ankle
MRI Ankle is a non-invasive imaging technique that helps to-
- Diagnose and assess injuries or abnormalities in the ankle joint, such as fractures, torn ligament, or cartilage damage.
- Monitor the progression or healing of previously diagnosed injuries or abnormalities.
- Identify the presence of any foreign objects, such as shrapnel or debris, in the ankle joint.
- Assess the status of the surrounding soft tissues, such as tendons, muscles, and ligaments, to determine if they are functioning properly.
- Assist in the planning of surgical procedures for the treatment of injuries or abnormalities in the ankle joint.
- Provide detailed images of the inside of the ankle joint for doctors to analyze and make an accurate diagnosis.
- Eliminate the need for invasive procedures, such as arthroscopy, in the diagnosis and assessment of ankle injuries or abnormalities.
Advantages of Using MRI for Imaging the Ankle
Some of the advantages of using MRI for imaging the ankle include the following:
High-resolution images: MRI produces very detailed images of the structures in the ankle, which can help doctors diagnose a wide range of conditions.
Non-invasive: MRI does not involve the use of radiation or injections, so it is a safe and non-invasive way to image the ankle.
No contrast dye: Unlike other imaging techniques, MRI does not require the use of contrast dye, which can be harmful to some patients.
Safe for pregnant women: MRI is safe for pregnant women, which is important because pregnant women are more likely to experience ankle injuries.
Can image soft tissues: MRI can produce detailed images of the soft tissues in the ankle, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which can be useful for diagnosing injuries and other conditions.
Preparation for an MRI Ankle Scan
If you are scheduled to have an MRI scan of your ankle, there are a few steps you can take to prepare for the procedure. First, it is important to let your doctor know if you have any metal implants or devices in your body, such as a pacemaker or artificial joints. These can interfere with the magnetic field used in MRI, so your doctor may need to take special precautions.
You should also let your doctor know if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. MRI is generally safe for pregnant women, but it is still important to let your doctor know so they can take the appropriate precautions.
Before the procedure, you will be asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewellery or watches, that could interfere with the MRI. You will also be asked to remove any clothing or accessories that contain metal, such as zippers or buttons.
You may be asked to wear a hospital gown during the procedure, or you may be allowed to wear loose-fitting clothing without metal buttons or zippers.
It is important to follow any instructions given to you by your doctor or the technologist performing the MRI.
Procedure for an MRI Ankle Scan
The procedure for an MRI ankle scan generally follows these steps:
- You will be asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewellery or watches, and any clothing or accessories that contain metal. You may be asked to wear a hospital gown or loose-fitting clothing without metal buttons or zippers.
- You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the MRI machine. A technologist will position your ankle in the appropriate location for the scan.
- You will be given earplugs or headphones to help block out the MRI machine’s loud noises during the scan.
- The technologist will start the MRI scan, which typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. You will be asked to remain still during the scan to avoid blurring the images.
- If contrast dye is used during the MRI, you will be given the dye through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. The dye helps to highlight certain structures in the ankle, making it easier for the doctor to see them in the images.
- After the MRI scan is complete, you will be able to go home. The images will be reviewed by a radiologist, who will interpret the results and send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and explain any next steps or recommended treatment.
Result & Interpretation of MRI Ankle Scans
The interpretation of MRI ankle scans involves reviewing the images produced by the scan and identifying any abnormalities or injuries in the ankle joint’s bones, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. The radiologist will look for signs of conditions such as sprains, strains, fractures, or other injuries and will provide a detailed report to the doctor ordering the scan.
The radiologist will also consider the patient’s clinical history and any other relevant information, such as the results of previous imaging studies or physical exams, to help accurately interpret the MRI images.
Once the radiologist has interpreted the MRI images, they will provide a written report to the doctor ordering the scan. The doctor will then discuss the results with the patient and explain any recommended treatment or next steps
Some conditions that may be clearly seen on MRI of the ankle are-
- Ganglion Cyst– A ganglion cyst of the ankle is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or near a joint or tendon in the ankle.
- Osteoarthritis- Osteoarthritis of the ankle is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage (protective tissue) between the bones in the ankle joint wears down over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement.
- Tenosynovitis– Tenosynovitis of the ankle is a condition in which the sheath (a thin membrane that surrounds and protects a tendon) around the tendons in the ankle becomes inflamed. This can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the ankle.
- Impingement– Impingement in the ankle refers to a condition in which the bones or tissues in the ankle joint become pinched or compressed, causing pain and limited movement. This can occur due to a variety of factors, such as joint instability, arthritis, or overuse injuries.
- PVNS, or Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis, is a rare condition that affects the synovium (lining of the joint) in the ankle. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the synovium, which can cause swelling and pain in the affected joint.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis– In the ankle, rheumatoid arthritis can cause swelling, redness, and warmth in the joint, as well as difficulty walking or moving the ankle.
- Synovitis– Synovitis of the ankle is a condition in which the synovium becomes inflamed, causing swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joint.
- Osteomyelitis– Osteomyelitis of the ankle is an infection of the bones in the ankle joint. It can be caused by bacteria entering the bone through a wound or injury, or it can spread to the bone from a nearby infection.
- Sarcoma– Sarcoma of the ankle is a rare type of cancer that affects the tissues in and around the ankle joint. Symptoms of sarcoma of the ankle may include swelling, pain, and difficulty moving the joint.
Sample Report
Here is the sample report for the MRI of the ankle:
Potential Risks and Complications Associated with MRI Ankle Scans
MRI ankle scans are generally considered safe and are not associated with significant risks or complications.
One potential risk of MRI is that it uses a strong magnetic field, which can interfere with certain medical devices, such as pacemakers or insulin pumps. If you have any metal implants or devices in your body, your doctor may need to take special precautions to ensure that the MRI is safe for you.
Some people may experience anxiety or claustrophobia during an MRI scan, as the MRI machine is confined. If you have a history of anxiety or claustrophobia, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you relax during the scan.
Overall, the risks and complications associated with MRI ankle scans are very rare and generally outweighed by the procedure’s benefits.
Alternative Imaging Methods For Ankle
Several alternative imaging methods can be used to image the ankle, including X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds.
Reason | X-rays | CT Scans | Ultrasounds |
---|---|---|---|
Technique | X-rays are a type of radiation that can pass through the body and produce images of the bones. | CT scans, or computed tomography scans, use a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed images of the bones and soft tissues in the ankle. | Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the structures in the ankle, such as the tendons and ligaments. |
Purpose | X-rays are often used to diagnose ankle fractures and other bone injuries. | CT scans can be useful for diagnosing injuries, fractures, and other conditions in the ankle. | Ultrasound is often used to diagnose ankle sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries. |
Each of these imaging methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best method for imaging the ankle will depend on the specific condition being evaluated and the individual patient. Your doctor can discuss the different options with you and help you decide which imaging method is right for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MRI is a valuable imaging tool for the evaluation of the ankle. MRI is a non-invasive and safe method that can produce high-resolution images of the ankle’s bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This can be useful for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including sprains, strains, fractures, and other injuries or disorders that affect the ankle. MRI is also safe for pregnant women and does not require the use of contrast dye, making it an appealing option for imaging the ankle. Overall, the benefits of MRI for imaging the ankle make it a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the ankle.
How to Book MRI Ankle Test?
FAQs
An MRI ankle scan is a diagnostic imaging test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the bones, muscles, and soft tissues of the ankle joint. It is typically used to diagnose problems with the ankle or to monitor the progress of an injury or condition.
The length of an MRI ankle scan can vary, but it typically takes between 15 and 60 minutes to complete.
An MRI ankle scan is generally not painful. Some people may experience discomfort or anxiety while lying inside the MRI machine, but the procedure itself should not cause any pain.
It is generally recommended to eat and drink as you normally would before an MRI ankle scan. However, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything for a few hours before the scan if you are scheduled to receive contrast material, which is used to improve the visibility of certain structures in the ankle.
To prepare for an MRI ankle scan, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing and remove any metal objects such as jewelry or eyeglasses. You may also be asked to remove any metal implants or devices such as pacemakers or hearing aids before the scan.
An MRI ankle scan is generally safe and does not produce any radiation exposure. However, some people may experience claustrophobia or anxiety while inside the MRI machine, and you should inform your doctor if you have a history of metal allergies or implants.
Your MRI ankle scan results will typically be available within a few days after the scan. Your doctor will review the images and discuss the findings with you at a follow-up appointment.
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.