The MRI Imaging Center at DMOS is dedicated to providing you and your doctors with the imaging needed to diagnose and treat your injury. Our exceptional MRI team is committed to delivering the highest quality of care to all patients, utilizing the best diagnostic services possible. Our combined years of experience and knowledge allow us to offer an MRI experience that is both comfortable and professional.
The MRI instrument at DMOS is a state of the art magnet with an opening on each end, allowing patients to feel as comfortable and unrestricted as possible throughout the imaging sequence.
Our MRI is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), which is a rigorous process that ensures the facility, equipment, and personnel meet the highest standards. For more information on the standards that must be met, please click here.
If you have been referred by either a DMOS doctor or your primary care doctor to complete an MRI, please take a moment to fill out the below form to bring with you to your appointment. If you have had surgery or a colonoscopy in the last 6 weeks please let the MRI experts know prior to your exam.
Monday – Thursday 6:00am – 8:00pm
Friday 6:00am – 4:00 pm
Saturday 7:00am – 12:00pm
Extremity Scanner
Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and painless test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the body’s organs and structures. An MRI differs from a CAT scan (also called a CT scan or a computed axial tomography scan) because it doesn’t use radiation. The technology uses strong magnetic fields and radio frequency waves to produce detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues of the body. These images assist in making diagnoses of the bone, joint, muscle, tendons, ligaments and spine and can help detect tumors, bleeding, infection and other abnormalities in the body.
An MRI arthrogram is an imaging study conducted to diagnose an issue within a joint. The exam is done in two parts and usually with the aid of a contrast agent called gadolinium that will help to highlight the visualization of joint structures and improve the MRI evaluation.
An arthrogram is used to:
CT uses x-rays, MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves. MRI is typically the diagnostic method of choice to view muscle, tendon and ligament injuries.
You should take all medications as prescribed by your doctor before and after your appointment. We do not provide pain medication for MRI procedures. If you are unable to lay on your back for 30-60 minutes during the scan without pain or discomfort, please consult your primary care physician before your appointment.
Yes. The MRI results will not be impacted by eating or drinking beforehand.
Prior to the MRI appointment, please discuss any concerns you may have about claustrophobia with your doctor. Please note, the MRI scanner at DMOS offers reduced noise and a larger, shorter opening to ensure you do not feel confined. Patients consistently tell us that the experience with our state of the art MRI is quieter and unrestricting.
No. All electronic devices will be locked in a personal locker with the rest of your personal belongings during the MRI scan. If you prefer music be played during your MRI scan, we do offer XM Satellite Radio tuned to your favorite station.
The MRI technology in use today produces no known hazards to properly screened patients. However, some precautionary measures must be taken due to the high magnetic field of the MRI. For this reason, all patients are required to fill out a complete history sheet prior to their appointment. Patients will also be asked to remove certain items before the MRI scan, such as watches, wallets, and hearing aids. These items will be locked in a personal locker during the MRI scan.
If you have any of the following conditions, please speak with your doctor prior to your MRI scan.
An X-ray and Orthopaedic Technical Staff team member are often the first people to greet patients after checking in at the reception desk. They are the forefront of the exceptional care that you will experience at DMOS Orthopaedic Centers.
Here at Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, we strive to give you the most pleasant X-ray experience possible. All of our Radiologic Technologists hold licensure through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, as well as the State of Iowa.
The most familiar use of X-rays is checking for fractures (broken bones), but X-rays are also used in other ways. For example, chest X-rays are often used to detect pneumonia in the lungs.
While X-rays are linked to a slightly increased risk of cancer, there is an extremely low risk of side effects from infrequent X-ray scans because the radiation intensity is kept at the lowest possible levels to achieve the desired image.
In the case of standard X-ray procedures, there is negligible risk. Frequency of X-ray exposure is much less important than intensity – which is why any X-ray scan you receive for medical purposes will be the lowest possible intensity to obtain the visualization needed.
Fetal tissue develops at a rapid rate, and although the risk is small, X-rays are often not recommended for pregnant women. If you know or suspect that you may be pregnant, please inform your technologist before your exam! We will consult with your doctor to determine if another course of action is more appropriate.
Our highly specialized Orthopaedic Surgeons sometimes require different X-ray views that are not normally taken by other providers who are simply diagnosing the injury.
Most X-rays are computerized, and stored in a specialized “PACS” system. If we have access to that system, we will be able to view your previous images. If we do not have access, we will most likely need to take our own X-rays.
If you have had X-rays taken, please ask your referring doctor to provide a disc with your images. Please bring this with you to your appointment.
When you breathe, your diaphragm moves and this can blur the image. You will also be asked to hold very still while your X-ray is being taken.
No, but please turn off your cell phone during the procedure to ensure that it does not interrupt the process.
Any buttons, zippers, embroidery or jewelry can obscure your X-ray image. We may also have you remove your glasses for certain views.
MRI and X-rays produce different types of images. An MRI shows better contrast between different kinds of soft tissue, while an X-ray clearly shows the contrast between soft tissue and bone density. Your doctor may need both types of exams to determine the best diagnosis and treatment.
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