Joint & Musculoskeletal MRI
MRI for sports injuries, joint pain and soft tissue conditions at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. Radiation-free imaging with specialist reporting. Serving the North Shore — Turramurra, Gordon, Pymble & surrounds.
What Does a Musculoskeletal MRI Show?
MRI is the definitive investigation for soft tissue injury. Where X-ray and CT excel at bone, MRI shows the cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles that surround a joint — as well as changes within the bone itself that no other imaging can reveal.
A joint or musculoskeletal MRI can identify:
- Cartilage injury, including meniscal tears in the knee and labral tears in the shoulder and hip
- Ligament tears and sprains, such as ACL, MCL and ankle ligament injuries
- Tendon tears, tendinopathy and inflammation — including rotator cuff and Achilles injuries
- Muscle strains, tears and deep bruising
- Bone marrow oedema and stress fractures that are not visible on X-ray
- Early inflammatory arthritis, often before structural change appears elsewhere
- Bone and soft tissue tumours or cysts
- Nerve compression and entrapment
At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives Shopping Village, musculoskeletal MRI is reported by specialist radiologists experienced in sports and orthopaedic imaging, supporting surgeons, sports physicians and physiotherapists across the North Shore.
Which Joints and Regions Can Be Scanned?
MRI can be performed on virtually any joint or soft tissue region. Your referral will specify the area to be examined, based on where your symptoms are located.
Commonly requested studies include:
- Knee — meniscus, cruciate and collateral ligaments, cartilage
- Shoulder — rotator cuff, labrum, biceps tendon
- Hip — labrum, cartilage, tendon and bursal conditions
- Ankle and foot — ligaments, Achilles tendon, stress injury
- Wrist and hand — ligaments, cartilage, nerve compression
- Elbow — tendon injury and joint surfaces
- Spine — discs, nerve roots and the spinal cord
If more than one region needs to be examined, this is usually arranged as separate studies. Our team will confirm the details with you when you book.
Preparation & What to Expect on the Day
A musculoskeletal MRI requires very little preparation and involves no radiation and no recovery time.
Before your appointment:
- No fasting is required for musculoskeletal MRI.
- You will complete an MRI safety questionnaire covering any metal implants, surgical clips or previous surgery.
- Metal implants such as joint replacements and plates are usually safe, but we need the details in advance to plan your scan correctly.
On the day:
- You will change into a gown and remove all jewellery.
- The area being scanned is positioned in a dedicated coil to maximise image quality.
- The scan takes approximately 20 to 45 minutes depending on the region.
- You will hear loud knocking and tapping sounds — earplugs and headphones are provided.
- Most musculoskeletal MRI scans require no injection.
Your report is sent to your referring doctor, typically within three days. To book at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village, call (02) 9129 6999.
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Have a question or ready to book? Our friendly team is here to help with appointments, referrals and any imaging enquiries you may have.
Working Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday - 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM