Every year, technological advances allow MRI scans to become quicker, and MRI is used in many new applications. Cincinnati Children’s radiologists have developed quick, limited MRI exams to expedite diagnosing children with appendicitis, VP shunt malfunctions, and most recently, in diagnosing musculoskeletal infections.
Musculoskeletal infections may involve the bone (osteomyelitis), the soft tissues (cellulitis, myositis), or a joint (septic arthritis). These infections may be caused by a bacterial infection in the blood stream or an open wound, a severe fracture of the bone, or complications from surgeries. Musculoskeletal infection may be suspected if your child has had a recent injury or surgery, pain with redness and swelling in the area, a fever, and/or elevated inflammatory markers shown in bloodwork.
It is important to diagnosis and treat musculoskeletal infections quickly to prevent worsening symptoms or to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the body. These infections can be treated with antibiotics but may require surgery to drain an abscesses or joint effusions.
Dr. Meyers, chief of Musculoskeletal Radiology, worked with system engineers and our own MRI physicist, Jean Tkach, to develop a Rapid MRI for Acute Musculoskeletal Infection protocol that can accelerate a diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. MRIs are notorious for being long exams, but with this specific protocol, the entire exam can be completed in less than ten minutes. Because the exam time is so short, this exam can easily be added to our busy MRI schedule and can be performed without sedation or anesthesia. It is important to understand that this particular exam needs to be approved by attending physicians and only used when your child’s symptoms and history match our protocol guidelines.
Cincinnati Children’s MRI physicians and staff are committed to using creative strategies and the most recent technologies to help treat children in the safest and most timely manner possible.
Becky has been an MRI Tech at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for almost 15 years. She grew up on the west side of Cincinnati and studied Radiology at UC. She lived in Southern Maryland and Virginia Beach while her husband served in the US Navy and came back to the area just as the Liberty Campus was opening. She loves being in such a great team and working with kids. She enjoys spending time with her children and 2 beautiful granddaughters.
Glenn Miñano is a media specialist in the Department of Radiology, providing graphic design, photography, printing, video services, and administration of the department’s online properties. His works have been published in several medical articles, such as the American Journal of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound. He has been providing these services to the Radiology Department since 1996.
Meredith Towbin is a freelance copy editor and writer. She has copyedited the Department of Radiology’s blog since it launched. She also works as a copy editor for the home improvement website BobVila.com. Her writing has been featured on HuffPost as well as other writing sites.
