Immediate access to private diagnostic joint MRI scanning
MR Arthrogram
Read more about what an MR Arthrogram is, why you might need it and what can be detected from an MR Arthrogram.
In-depth examination of the inside of joints
An MR arthrogram combines the use of MRI scanning with a contrast medium to examine the inside of a joint, such as a shoulder, knee, wrist or ankle, and to assess and diagnose injuries and other problems.
Vista Health offers fast, affordable access to private MR arthrogram scans at Milton Keynes. Reports and images are available within three working days of your scan, and you can self-refer and book online here.
Why choose Vista Health?
-
Affordable
Only £795. Fixed price per appointment, with no hidden extras and a full report and images available within three days of your scan.
-
Accessible
Vista Health operates through more than 60 locations throughout the UK. MR arthrogram scans are currently available at Milton Keynes.
-
Fast
With no waiting lists and seven-day appointments, you get fast access to our MRI scanning service. You can choose to refer yourself to our service for an MR Arthrogram scan.
-
Support
Our dedicated Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
What is an MR arthrogram scan?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a way of taking pictures inside the body using magnetic fields and radio waves.
An MR arthrogram (an MRA) is a two-part MRI technique used to assess the condition of a joint.
Step 1:
The first step involves injecting a contrast medium to highlight soft tissue structures, such as ligaments and cartilage, making them easier to view.
Step 2:
The second part is an MRI scan of your joint to provide high contrast, cross-sectional images.
Your scan will be carried out under local anaesthetic to prevent pain where the dye is injected into your joint. We recommend you don’t drive immediately after your appointment, and that you make alternative arrangements to get home.
Why would I need an MR arthrogram scan?
An MR arthrogram scan is used for these main purposes:
To detect abnormalities
An MR arthrogram may be used to determine a possible abnormality that may have been detected with an MRI scan.
To assess joint conditions
An MR arthrogram scan is used to diagnose and treat joint pain or joint injury related to the knee, shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip or ankle. It provides a clear image of the soft joint tissues.
To highlight joint structures
Contrast material injected into the joint can highlight smaller joint structures extensively.
To evaluate injuries
Your MR arthrogram could help determine whether an injury is expanding outside of a single joint.
How do I prepare for my MR arthrogram, and how long will it take?
There’s no special preparation required, and you can eat, drink and continue to take medication as normal. We may ask you to change into a gown for the scan, and we’ll normally ask you to remove jewellery and any metal in your clothing or pockets.
The scan itself takes around 30-45 minutes, however you should expect to be in the department for up to 1.5 hours. We advise all patients to avoid driving for at least a few hours after the scan, so please make other arrangements to get home.
Step by step
Your MR arthrogram scan journey
Here’s what to expect when you book an MR arthrogram scan with Vista Health
-
Step 1
After receiving your referral letter, our patient care team will contact you to schedule an appointment at a date and time convenient for you.
-
Step 2
You are required to have an injection during the examination which will be thoroughly explained on the day. The radiologist will inject something to numb the area in question. A needle is then placed into the joint and a special MRI dye injected under X-ray or ultrasound guidance to ensure that it is going into the correct place. After the injection is complete you will go to the MRI scanner for your scan.
-
Step 3
You will either lie on your front or back with a piece of equipment placed over the joint in question which helps take the pictures. You will then lie in the MRI scanner for up to 45 minutes.
-
Step 4
It is recommended you don’t drive immediately following the MRI scan and that you make alternative arrangements to get home.
-
Step 5
Receive a full report and scan images within three days.
-
Step 6
Add an optional consultation with one of our dedicated private GPs to explain your results. Save 20% on consultation fees when you book along with your scan.
How much does a private MR arthrogram scan cost?
Our private MR arthrogram scan is available at a fixed price of just £795, with no hidden extras. A full report and images are included in the fee, and available within three working days of the scan.
How can we help?
Support
If you’re about to begin a healthcare journey, you’re likely to have a few questions. We’ve tried to answer the most common queries here - but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can always ask one of our friendly patient care advisors.
Can you help me understand my results?
If you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
Can I refer myself?
We accept self-referral in most cases. Self-referral allows you to take control of your own health with direct access to our own specialist diagnostic services. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one.
What if I need an open or upright scanner?
For some patients - including those with restricted mobility, anxiety and people with claustrophobia - the standard ‘tunnel-style’ MRI scanner may be challenging. An alternative is the open and upright scanner, which can be more comfortable for some patients. This provides comfort and reassurance, and offers a variety of scanning positions including sitting, standing, leaning, and lying.
What body part can I have scanned?
We offer a range of MRI scans to assist you in obtaining the diagnosis you require.
How long does an MRI scan take?
Most scans take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the size of the area we’re investigating. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
How much will an MRI scan cost?
Our MRI scans start from £249. The fee includes a full written report within 3 working days, and access to your images online to view, download or share with a medical professional such as your GP. When you book online, you’ll have the option to spread the cost over three months, interest free.
How soon can I have my MRI scan?
With MRI facilities across the UK, we can offer scans at short notice. We work evenings, weekends and bank holidays.