Going in feet first for an MRI would not be possible due to a number of safety issues. The most important one is that, size-wise, an MRI tunnel is just too small for a person to fit, head-first or feet-first.
This is because the magnet used in an MRI scanner is highly powerful, around 30,000 times stronger than the Earth’s natural magnetic field. This means that any metal parts inside the scan area have to be carefully positioned and they must be designed to not move or interact with the powerful magnet.
Having a human body instead of a metal object inside the MRI creates another safety risk. We are made of different materials and soft tissues, so depending on the exact size of the person and the MRI tunnel, they could be pressed or squeezed by the walls of the tunnel or the inner parts of the scanner itself.
This could lead to serious injury, as the walls of an MRI tunnel are so strong that it’s not possible to pull a person out in an emergency situation. It’s therefore safer for the patient to be positioned head-first into the MRI tunnel, so that their head and neck area can be outside the tunnel if an emergency situation arises.
For these safety reasons, it’s not possible to go in feet first for an MRI.
Can an MRI be done feet first?
Yes, an MRI can be done feet first. This can sometimes be referred to as a “lower-extremity MRI.” It is typically done when the doctor needs a better view of the patient’s feet, legs, knees, and hips.
It allows the patient to stay comfortable because they can keep their head and torso outside of the imaging machine. The process can take slightly longer than a regular MRI because the pictures are taken from different angles, and additional magnets may be used to get the best images of the lower extremities.
Before undergoing your MRI, be sure to discuss the protocol with your radiologist or doctor so you understand the details of the process.
Why can’t you cross your legs in MRI?
In the MRI environment, the machine produces a powerful magnetic field, which can force metal objects to move or become magnetized. Crossing your legs is an unpredictable maneuver that can cause a metal object to shift or become magnetized, which may result in an unwanted electrical current flowing through your body, creating a hazardous situation.
MRI machines are also very noisy, so even small movements like crossing your legs would increase the noise level and disrupt the scan. Lastly, some people cannot maintain a breath-hold if their legs are crossed.
If a breath-hold is required to obtain a useful image, crossing your legs can prevent it and interfere with the scan. For the safety of the patient and the accuracy of the imaging study, it is therefore essential that the patient not cross their legs while inside the MRI machine.
Can you go feet first in an MRI for knee?
Yes, you can go feet first in an MRI for knee. Technically, the orientation of the body in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not important as long as the actual anatomic area to be scanned can be aligned properly with respect to the magnet bore.
However, feet first is usually used for knee MRI scans because it is the easiest entry position for the patient, and because the imaging plane (axial or sagittal) usually will include some portions of the thigh and therefore feasibility of acquiring the whole imaging plane can be improved by this entry orientation.
In addition, it can provide more room inside the magnet, reducing patient discomfort and the risk of claustrophobia. In most cases, the entry orientation is discussed between patients and the MRI technologist.
Usually, the patient is asked to identify which orientation (head in or feet in) is preferable or more comfortable for them.
Can I go in feet first for a hip MRI?
No, it is not recommended to go in feet first for a hip MRI. During a hip MRI, patients typically lie face up on the exam table with their legs pointing away from their body. Doing the procedure feet first could potentially cause the patient to become uncomfortable, as the hips are not able to flex and relax as they would in their normal position.
Additionally, when the patient is lying face up, the MRI scan typically produces clearer images that are easier for doctors to interpret, making the exam more accurate. Patients should also avoid bending their knees during the MRI, as this can create artifacts in the image which can distort the results.
Finally, it is important that the feet remain flat and in contact with the table at all times during the MRI to ensure safe and accurate imaging.
