Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. An MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets. You lie inside the tube during the scan. An MRI scan can be used to examine almost any part of the body, including:
The results of an MRI scan can be used to help diagnose conditions, plan treatments and assess how effective previous treatment has been.
What to expect
You should have received and completed a safety questionnaire to complete before you arrive. If you have not completed a safety questionnaire we will ask you complete one. Please be aware that if you answer 'yes' to any of the questions on the form you should contact us to discuss whether you are suitable to receive an MRI.
If you are suitable for an MRI, you will be asked to remove all metallic items and, if necessary, change in to a hospital gown. We'll provide a safe space for your items, although we advise you not to bring valuable items with you. A radiographer will check your safety questionnaire and explain the MRI procedure.
Due to the strong magnetic field, some people may not be suitable for scanning by MRI, including those with:
If you are unsure about your suitability for an MRI, please contact us on 0121 685 4135.
MRI Arthrogram
Arthrography is medical imaging used to help evaluate and diagnose joint conditions and unexplained pain. It is very effective at detecting disease within the ligaments, tendons and cartilage. It may be indirect, where contrast material is injected into the bloodstream, or direct, where contrast material is injected into the joint.
An X-ray is a quick and painless procedure commonly used to produce images of the inside of the body. It's a very effective way of looking at the bones and can be used to help detect a range of conditions.
An ultrasound scan, sometimes called a sonogram, is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body. An ultrasound scan can be used to monitor an unborn baby, diagnose a condition or guide a surgeon during certain procedures.
A small device called an ultrasound probe is used, which gives off high-frequency sound waves. You can't hear these sound waves, but when they bounce off different parts of the body, they create "echoes" that are picked up by the probe and turned into a moving image. This image is displayed on a monitor while the scan is carried out.
A computerised tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body. CT scans are sometimes referred to as CAT scans or computed tomography scans. They are carried out by our specially trained radiographers.
It's a very effective way of looking at the bones and can be used to help detect a range of conditions.
Our Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Direct Access Service has been designed around the needs of patients and GPs. Our specialists offer a quick and efficient service with excellent access, accurate results and a quick turnaround from request to report.
Refer to us for:
Why choose to refer to us?
How to refer
Referring to us is easy; download the forms below then return to us via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please note: the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital has a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) for the provision of emergency out-of-hours diagnostic services. If you wish to refer, please contact UHB directly.
X-ray |
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Monday |
8am – 6pm |
Out-of-hours cover: Mon - Fri A single-handed X-ray on-call radiographer is available via Switchboard for inpatients and limited outpatients. |
Tuesday |
8am – 6pm |
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Wednesday |
8am – 6pm |
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Thursday |
8am – 5pm |
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Friday |
8am – 5pm |
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Saturday |
9am – 12:30pm |
Out-of-hours cover: Sat - Sun A single-handed X-ray on-call radiographer is available via Switchboard for inpatients and limited outpatients. |
Sunday |
CT |
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Monday |
9am – 12:30pm |
Out-of-hours cover: Mon - Fri No out-of-hours service. |
Tuesday |
9am – 12:30pm |
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Wednesday |
Interventional |
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Thursday |
Interventional |
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Friday |
9am – 12:30pm |
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Saturday |
Out-of-hours cover: Sat - Sun No out-of-hours service |
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Sunday |
MRI |
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Monday |
7:30am – 8pm |
Out-of-hours cover: Mon - Fri A single MRI radiographer is on-call for spinal emergency consultant referrals only. |
Tuesday |
7:30am – 8pm |
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Wednesday |
7:30am – 8pm |
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Thursday |
7:30am – 8pm |
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Friday |
7:30am – 8pm |
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Saturday |
9am – 5pm |
Out-of-hours cover: Sat – Sun A single MRI radiographer is on-call for spinal emergency consultant referrals only. |
Sunday |
9am – 5pm |
Ultrasound |
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Monday |
9:30am – 4:30pm |
Out-of-hours cover: Mon – Fri No out-of-hours service |
Tuesday |
9:30am – 4:30pm |
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Wednesday |
9:30am – 7pm (Sports Clinic) |
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Thursday |
9:30am – 4:30pm |
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Friday |
9:30 – 12:30pm |
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Weekend |
Out-of-hours cover: Sat – Sun No out-of-hours service |
Theatres – 2 radiographers & 1 locum radiographer |
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Monday |
8:30am - 5pm |
Out-of-hours cover: Mon - Fri A single-handed X-ray on-call radiographer is available out-of-hours. They can be contacted via the Switchboard. |
Tuesday |
8:30am - 5pm |
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Wednesday |
8:30am - 5pm |
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Thursday |
8:30am - 5pm |
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Friday |
8:30am - 5pm |
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Weekend |
Out-of-hours cover: Sat - Sun A single-handed X-ray on-call radiographer is available out-of-hours. They can be contacted via the Switchboard (see X-ray) |