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:

• Brain and spinal cord
• Bones and joints
• Breasts
• Heart and blood vessels
• Internal organs.

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:

• A heart pacemaker
• An artificial heart valve
• Metal fragments in the eye, head or body
• Aneurysm clips (these are metal clips inserted during some operations, especially of the blood vessels in the brain)
• A suspected pregnancy or you are in the first three months of pregnancy.

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.

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:

• Articular pain, swelling or mechanical symptoms without definitive diagnosis
• Pain in shoulders, wrist, hand, hips, knees, feet and ankles
• Regional neuropathic pain to diagnose neural entrapment
• Diagnosis of synovitis.

Why choose to refer to us?

• Our average request-to-appointment time is just three weeks
• Our team is experienced, efficient and patient-centred
• Our standard of clinical care is exemplary
• Our Trust is a specialist orthopaedic centre.

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. 

• Download the general referral form
• Download the referral form for shoulders

The protocol for GP referrals is available here.

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.