Your mind starts racing with questions. How long will I be stuck in that machine? What if I get claustrophobic? Will I miss my afternoon meeting?

At Oryon, we’ve seen thousands of patients walk through our doors with the same uncertainties you might be feeling right now. The good news? Once you know what to expect, that anxiety transforms into confidence. 

We believe that well-informed patients have more comfortable experiences, which is why from the moment you arrive at our facility until you’re ready to leave, we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know about shoulder MRI timing. 

Understanding A Shoulder MRI Duration

A shoulder MRI typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes to complete, though this can vary between a quick scan and a longer one. 

The shoulder joint is complex, requiring detailed images from multiple angles to provide your healthcare provider with comprehensive information. 

Unlike a simple X-ray that captures just one angle, your MRI needs to photograph this complex joint from every possible direction. We’re talking about capturing detailed images of your tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone – all working together in perfect harmony (or revealing exactly where things might be going wrong).

What Impacts The Duration Of Your Shoulder MRI? 

Several elements influence how long your shoulder MRI will take. The specific reason for your scan plays a significant role in determining duration. But you can have some control over some of the factors that influence the overall duration.

• Stay still.
  • We’re being serious. Keeping calm and staying still will shorten your scan time. Movement can blur images, requiring sequences to be repeated. At Oryon, our experienced technologists help you find comfortable positions and provide clear instructions to minimise the need for repeat scans.

• Contrast enhancement.
  • When required, this adds approximately 15 to 20 minutes to your appointment.  If contrast is required, we’ll add about 15 to 20 minutes to your appointment for a gadolinium injection. This contrast agent acts like a highlighter, making certain tissues and blood vessels pop out more clearly in your images. Your radiologist will determine whether contrast is necessary based on your specific clinical situation.

• The type of MRI machine.
  • Modern 3T MRI scanners can often capture higher resolution images more quickly than older 1.5T systems, though the difference is usually minimal for shoulder scans.

The Complete Shoulder MRI Process

This pre-scan process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Your shoulder MRI experience begins before you enter the scanning room. Preparation involves changing into a hospital gown, removing all metal objects, and completing our safety questionnaires. 

This setup process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Positioning for a shoulder MRI requires careful attention to detail. You’ll lie on your back with your arm positioned alongside your body or slightly away from it, depending on the specific views needed.

We place a specialised shoulder coil around your joint. Think of it as a high-tech camera lens that focuses specifically on your shoulder area. Our team takes extra care during this setup because proper positioning forms the foundation of excellent images.

During the actual scanning, you’ll hear various sounds and hummings from the MRI machine. These range from gentle tapping to louder knocking noises. We must stress these are all completely normal parts of the imaging process and nothing for you to worry about at all. We provide ear protection and music options to help you feel more comfortable throughout the scan. If you need any further assistance or have any questions don’t hesitate to ask our team who will be happy to assist..

Different Types of Shoulder MRI Scans

A standard shoulder MRI scan focuses on bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments using multiple imaging sequences. Each sequence captures different tissue properties, building a comprehensive picture of your shoulder anatomy.

MRI Arthrography takes things up a notch. We inject contrast material into your shoulder joint before scanning to provide enhanced visualisation of cartilage and labral tears. This specialised technique adds about 20 minutes to your appointment but delivers incredibly detailed information that can be crucial for your diagnosis.

Post-Surgical Scans often require additional sequences to evaluate how well you’re healing or identify any complications. These might take slightly longer because we need detailed imaging around surgical sites or any hardware that was placed during your procedure.

Preparing for Your Shoulder MRI

Arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled scan time allows adequate preparation without feeling rushed. Wear comfortable clothing without metal components, as you’ll need to change into a gown anyway.

Inform your technologist about any shoulder pain or limited mobility before the positioning begins. We can adjust your position and provide additional support to ensure comfort throughout the scan.

Bringing headphones or asking about our music options can make the experience more pleasant. Many patients find that listening to familiar songs helps time pass more quickly during the scan. We promise we won’t judge your music choices!

After Your Shoulder MRI

The moment your scan is complete, you’re free to resume all normal activities immediately (unless you received sedation). Your images undergo processing and are sent to a radiologist for expert interpretation, typically within 24 to 48 hours.

Your referring physician will receive a detailed report describing the findings and recommendations for treatment or further evaluation. If contrast was used, drinking plenty of water helps flush the material from your system, though serious reactions are extremely rare with modern contrast agents.

At Oryon, we’re committed to providing efficient, comfortable, and accurate imaging services. Our state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff ensure your scan is completed quickly while maintaining the highest quality standards. 

Contact us today to book your appointment and take the first step toward better shoulder health. We’re here to answer any questions and make your imaging experience as smooth as possible.