🇫🇷 FR 🇬🇧 EN 🇮🇹 IT
Cochin Hospital – Port-Royal · AP-HP · Paris Cité University
← Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology Cochin
Cochin Hospital AP-HP AP-HP
Radiology B: Musculoskeletal

Cochin Hospital · AP-HP · Paris Cité University

️ rdv.radiob.cch@aphp.fr Contact us
Interventional Radiology›Radiology B›Joint MRI
Radiology B · Musculoskeletal imaging

🩻 Joint MRI

MRI of the knee, shoulder, spine, hip...: how is the examination performed?

Quick answer

Joint MRI explores the structures of a joint (menisci, ligaments, rotator cuff, intervertebral discs, labrum) without X-rays, so it can be repeated freely. It generally lasts 20 to 45 minutes depending on the joint examined.

What is it?

Joint MRI explores the structures of a joint: menisci and cruciate ligaments (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), intervertebral discs (spine), labrum (hip)... Without X-rays, it can be repeated freely.

⏱️ Duration: 20 to 45 minutes depending on the joint.

How to prepare

1

Remove jewellery, watch, piercings and any metal object.

2

Tell us about any metallic implant (prosthesis, screws, pins, pacemaker).

3

No fasting is generally required.

4

Tell us if you are claustrophobic.

How does it go?

1

You lie down with the joint positioned in a dedicated coil.

2

The examination is painless. Stay still throughout.

3

Ear protection is provided against the noise of the machine.

4

Duration: 20 to 40 minutes in general.

After the examination

1

You can resume your activities immediately, with no restrictions.

2

Report within 2 to 5 working days.

✅ Joint MRI does not use radiation. It is particularly recommended in young patients.

Frequently asked questions

Does joint MRI require an injection?
Not systematically: some joint MRIs are performed without injection, others with an intravenous or intra-articular injection (MR arthrography), depending on the diagnostic question asked by your doctor.
How long does a joint MRI last?
The examination generally lasts between 20 and 40 minutes depending on the joint studied and the number of sequences needed.
Can I have a joint MRI with a metal prosthesis?
It depends on the type of implanted material. Always report any prosthesis or metallic material when booking your appointment so that MRI compatibility can be checked.

Do you have a question about your examination?

️ rdv.radiob.cch@aphp.fr Contact us

Why you can trust this page

Written by the Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Paris Cité University. Medical review by a radiologist of the department. Last updated: July 2026.

🏥 The department 📰 News 🔬 Research & clinical trials