Magnetic resonance imaging of a limb segment (arm, forearm, thigh, lower leg)
Limb MRI (arm, forearm, thigh, lower leg) in Casablanca
Limb MRI examines an entire segment of the arm, forearm, thigh or lower leg, without X-rays. It shows the muscles, the bones, the bone marrow, the blood vessels and the tissues under the skin. It is useful for a muscle injury after exertion, a lump or a bone abnormality seen on an X-ray. Both thighs or both lower legs can be examined together for comparison.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Depending on the length of the segment and whether an injection is given, the exam usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
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?
- Tear or strain of a thigh or calf muscle in athletes.
- Shin pain during exercise suggesting a stress fracture or periostitis (inflammation of the outer covering of the bone).
- Lump in a muscle or under the skin of the arm, thigh or lower leg.
- Abnormality of a long bone found on an X-ray.
- Suspected bone infection (osteomyelitis) or muscle abscess.
- Muscle weakness in both legs suggesting a muscle disease (myopathy, myositis), with comparison of both sides.
How the exam is done
Positioning depends on the segment being studied. For the thigh or lower leg, you lie on your back, feet first, and a large flexible coil is wrapped around or placed over the limb, sometimes over both limbs at once. For the arm or forearm, the limb rests along your body on cushions, and you are moved slightly to one side on the table. A marker may be stuck on the skin over a lump.
Because the segment is long, several series of images are often needed, sometimes with the table moved between them. The headphones reduce the noise. Stay relaxed, without tightening your muscles. Any injection is given into a vein in the arm, and then you leave normally.
Preparation
- Avoid technical sportswear or compression garments, which sometimes contain metal fibers.
- After exertion or an impact, write down the date and the movement involved.
- Check that the prescription states the segment and the side (right, left or both).
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
Gadolinium, injected into a vein, is not systematic: it is mainly used to study a lump, an infection or muscle inflammation, and rarely for a simple sports muscle injury.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker or defibrillator, which you must report: MRI is possible only for a compatible model.
- Neurostimulator, cochlear implant, implanted drug pump, old vascular clip.
- Metal fragment in the body or eye, or an old projectile (bullet, hunting pellet) remaining in the limb.
- Nail, plate or prosthesis in the limb being studied.
- 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.
- Severe kidney failure.
- Extensive tattoos on the limb, permanent makeup, anxiety in enclosed spaces.
Documents to bring
- Prescription specifying the limb segment and the side.
- X-rays and ultrasound of the limb already performed.
- Recent blood test results if a muscle disease is suspected, and a kidney function test if an injection is planned.
- Surgical report if you have a nail, plate or prosthesis.
- List of your medications and insurance or mutual insurance fund card.
Price and insurance coverage
The price of limb MRI depends on the segment examined (arm, forearm, thigh or lower leg) and on any gadolinium injection.
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
When should the MRI be done after a muscle tear?
MRI is often performed in the days following the injury, at the time chosen by your doctor. It clarifies the location of the injury, its size and any involvement of the tendon, which helps your doctor estimate when you can return to sport.
Why examine both legs when only one hurts?
In some muscle diseases or for a subtle abnormality, comparing with the healthy side helps the radiologist identify what is abnormal. The coil can cover both limbs at the same time; the radiologist decides whether it is useful to include the other side.
What is the difference with an MRI of a joint?
Joint MRI focuses on a small area, with a dedicated coil and very fine images. Limb MRI covers a longer segment, from the knee to the ankle for example. For pain that is mainly in a joint, a targeted MRI is often more appropriate.
My limb has a nail or a plate in it. Is MRI possible?
Osteosynthesis hardware (a nail, plate or screws placed to repair a fracture) is most often compatible with MRI, but it distorts the image around the metal. Tell us about it and bring the surgical report: the radiologist will adapt the sequences or suggest another exam.
Limb MRI (arm, forearm, thigh, lower leg) in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of limb MRI depends on the segment examined (arm, forearm, thigh or lower leg) and on any gadolinium injection. 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.