The Imaging Center at Tucson Orthopaedic Institute is equipped with a state-of-the-art G.E. Sigma Excite HD 1.5 Tesla magnet. The MRI is designed for orthopaedic imaging, and can be used on extremities, spine or the whole body for a comprehensive view, in as little as 30 minutes. 

Your MRI Exam  - What to Expect
Your MR exam is really quite simple. With the assistance of an MR technologist, you will be positioned on a padded table. Because it is essential that you remain as still as possible, you may be secured with soft Velcro™ straps.
The padded table will move smoothly into the magnet opening and your exam will begin. During your MRI exam you won't feel anything. The only thing you'll notice is a knocking or buzzing sound that occurs as the images are being taken. You should be provided with earplugs to wear during the scan, or an MR compatible audio headset may be available to minimize the noise. The length of your exam is dependent on the type of study being done. Many MRI exams are completed in about half an hour.

An intercom and mirror arrangement in the system allows the MR staff to see and hear you throughout the exam. If you become uncomfortable at any point, just say so. The MR staff will be right there to assist you. *

Once the exam is completed, your technologist will bring you back to the preparation room to collect your belongings. And that's all there is to it!

Please tell your doctor
When you first enter the MR clinic, you must let your MR physician or technologist know if you have a pacemaker, surgical clips, prosthesis, metal implants or any other metal objects in your body. Some implants (e.g., a pacemaker) may be affected by an MR examination. The clinic personnel will then determine whether or not you should proceed with the MR examination.

Any metal materials that might be affected or attracted by the powerful magnet used for MR imaging should be left at home or given to the MR staff for safekeeping. This list includes your watch, coins, keys, bobby pins, credit cards, pocket knives, etc.

You should also be certain that you are reasonably clean of metal flakes or slivers on your skin, as found in some eye make-up or as a result of working around metal finishing or grinding equipment. *

More questions? 

*information courtesy G.E. Healthcare