An Achilles tendon MRI is a non-invasive imaging test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed pictures of the Achilles tendon and surrounding soft tissues. This diagnostic tool allows medical professionals to visualize the tendon’s structure with high clarity. Its primary purpose is to aid doctors in diagnosing and evaluating injuries or chronic conditions. The high-resolution images can reveal subtle changes within the tendon, providing insights not possible through a physical examination alone.
Reasons for an Achilles Tendon MRI
A physician may recommend an MRI of the Achilles tendon when a patient presents with persistent symptoms that suggest a soft tissue injury. These include ongoing pain in the heel or lower calf, swelling around the tendon, or difficulty with movements like walking or pointing the foot downwards. An MRI is also indicated if a patient reports a sudden “pop” or snapping sensation in the back of the ankle during physical activity, a classic sign of a potential tear.
While an X-ray is effective for viewing bones, it cannot visualize soft tissues like tendons. An MRI excels at showing the intricate details of the Achilles tendon, allowing a doctor to assess the extent of any damage or degeneration. This level of detail is important for determining the most appropriate course of treatment when a physical exam is not conclusive.
The MRI Procedure Experience
The experience of undergoing an Achilles tendon MRI is a straightforward process. Before the scan, patients are asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewelry or clothing with zippers, as these can interfere with the magnetic field. For an Achilles scan, you will lie on a table and enter the large, cylindrical machine feet-first.
During the scan, it is important to remain as still as possible to ensure the images captured are clear. The machine produces loud knocking and banging noises while operating. To help with the noise, patients are offered headphones to listen to music or earplugs for comfort. The entire procedure lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. In some cases, a contrast dye may be injected to enhance the visibility of certain structures, though this is not always required for an Achilles tendon evaluation.
Conditions Diagnosed by the MRI
An MRI provides a detailed view that allows for the precise diagnosis of several conditions affecting the Achilles tendon. One common finding is Achilles tendinosis, a chronic condition characterized by the degeneration of the tendon over time, which appears on an MRI as a thickening of the tendon. Another condition that can be identified is paratenonitis, the inflammation of the sheath that surrounds the tendon.
The imaging can also differentiate between partial and complete tears of the tendon. A partial tear involves an incomplete disruption of the tendon fibers, which will show up on the scan as areas of bright signal. In contrast, a complete rupture is a full-thickness tear where the tendon has snapped into two separate pieces. This is visualized on an MRI as a clear gap between the torn ends of the tendon.
Understanding Your MRI Report
After the MRI scan is complete, the images are sent to a radiologist, a medical doctor who specializes in interpreting medical images. The radiologist will analyze the pictures of your Achilles tendon and compile a report of their findings. This report will describe the condition of the tendon and any abnormalities detected.
This report is then sent to the doctor who ordered the MRI. You will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor to go over the results. They will explain what the radiologist’s report means in the context of your specific symptoms and physical examination. This allows your doctor to make a final diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.