Magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle
Ankle MRI in Casablanca
Ankle MRI examines, without X-rays, the joint between the leg and the foot as well as the ligaments, tendons and bones around it. It is often requested after a sprain that remains painful or unstable over the weeks, or for Achilles tendon pain. It can also show a cartilage injury or a crack in the bone that cannot be seen on X-rays.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Ankle MRI usually requires 20 to 30 minutes of image acquisition.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Severe or recurrent sprain, to assess the lateral ligaments and the junction between the tibia and the fibula.
- Pain or swelling of the Achilles tendon, with a suspected tear or rupture.
- Pain behind an ankle bone (malleolus), related to the fibular (peroneal) tendons or to the posterior tibial tendon.
- Persistent deep pain after a sprain, suggesting an osteochondral lesion of the talus (the cartilage and the bone beneath it).
- Suspected stress fracture in runners or people who walk long distances.
- Discomfort at the front of the ankle when you bend your foot, suggesting impingement (pinching of the tissues).
How the exam is done
You remove your shoes, socks and metal objects, then lie on your back, feet first. Your foot is placed in a boot-shaped or shell-shaped coil, the ankle most often at a right angle, and held in place with foam pads. A cushion under the knee makes you more comfortable, and most of your body stays outside the machine.
You will hear loud clicking and buzzing sounds, reduced by the headphones. Relax your leg, without pointing your foot down or moving your toes, because the ankle tendons would move with them. The call button lets you report any discomfort at any time. After the exam, you put your shoes back on and leave without any restrictions.
Preparation
- Wear shoes that are easy to take off, especially if you wear a brace or a walking boot.
- Avoid socks containing metallic fibers, such as some sports or antibacterial socks.
- Note how many sprains you have had and when, so that you can tell the radiologist.
Fasting
No fasting is required for an ankle MRI: you can eat and drink normally on the day of the exam.
Contrast injection
As a rule, ankle MRI does not need an injection. The radiologist may add intravenous gadolinium in case of a mass, an infection or arthritis.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker, defibrillator or neurostimulator: the exam depends on the MRI compatibility of the device.
- Cochlear implant, implanted pump or older vascular clip.
- Metal fragment in the eye or elsewhere in the body.
- Plate or screws placed after an ankle fracture: please tell us, as they can hide part of the joint.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- If an injection is planned, also tell us about any severe kidney disease.
- Tattoos on the leg, permanent makeup, anxiety in enclosed spaces.
Documents to bring
- Prescription stating which ankle is concerned (right or left).
- Ankle X-rays and ultrasound already performed.
- Surgical report if the ankle has been operated on or put in a cast for a fracture.
- List of your current medications.
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card.
Price and insurance coverage
The price of an ankle MRI depends on the side examined and on a gadolinium injection, which is rarely useful and reserved for a mass or an infection.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
My sprain happened several weeks ago: is an MRI useful?
Most sprains improve with rehabilitation. If the pain, swelling or instability persists after several weeks, MRI can look for an associated injury: a complete ligament tear, damage to the cartilage of the talus or a damaged tendon. Your doctor then adapts the rehabilitation or requests a surgical opinion.
Ultrasound or MRI for the Achilles tendon?
Ultrasound examines the Achilles tendon very well and is often performed first. MRI may be requested to measure the extent of an injury, to prepare for surgery or to look for another cause of pain at the back of the ankle. Your doctor chooses depending on the situation.
I have screws in my ankle: can I have an MRI?
Generally yes: orthopedic plates and screws are most often compatible with MRI, but they distort the images close to them. Tell us about them and bring the surgical report; the radiologist will judge whether MRI or a CT scan better answers the clinical question.
Does an ankle MRI also show the foot?
The exam is centered on the ankle: the talus, the heel bone (calcaneus) and the back of the foot appear on the images, but not the toes or the forefoot in detail. If the pain is under the foot or at the front, your doctor may prescribe a foot MRI, which is set up differently.
Ankle MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of an ankle MRI depends on the side examined and on a gadolinium injection, which is rarely useful and reserved for a mass or an infection. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.