What is it?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields, radio waves and a computer to produce 2 or 3 dimensional images without using radiation. MRI allows the visualisation of both bones and soft tissues.
The procedure is painless and will take approximately 45 minutes.
You will be asked to lie in a tunnel-like machine, while the scanner takes the pictures of your spine. At the same time all the images are monitored in an adjacent room with a computer. There is no risk associated with MRI because of the absence of radiation.

How can I prepare for MRI?
Because of the presence of a magnetic field, any metal items (i.e. jewellery, watch) will be removed from you before the procedure. People who have a pacemaker or joint replacement are not advised to take MRI. If you are pregnant or a diabetic you must inform your technologist.
Although the tunnel in which you will lie during the procedure is not narrow, some people may feel uncomfortable. You should tell your surgeon in advance if you think you might have problem with this.