Orthopedic & Sports Imaging
Joint MRI, MR arthrography, fluoroscopic arthrogram, and X-ray for orthopedic and sports-medicine work-ups — with sub-specialty MSK reads.
Orthopedic and sports-medicine work-ups depend on the right imaging study, performed with the right protocol, and read by a sub-specialty musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologist. Precise Imaging supports orthopedists, sports-medicine physicians, primary-care providers, and athletes with high-field joint MRI, MR arthrography, fluoroscopic arthrogram, and walk-in digital X-ray across California.
The supporting articles below cover the most common decision points: when to image after an ACL injury, how to work up the rotator cuff, what to expect from return-to-play imaging, and how to think about post-operative imaging. We do not currently advertise MSK ultrasound as a specialty offering — when it is indicated, please refer to a center that provides it.
Orthopedic & Sports Imaging services at Precise Imaging
We list only the studies Precise actually performs. When a clinical work-up needs something we don't offer, we'll say so.
Joint MRI (Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Ankle, Wrist, Elbow)
High-field 1.5T and 3T MRI for ligament, tendon, meniscus, labrum, and cartilage evaluation.
MR Arthrography
Image-guided intra-articular contrast injection followed by MRI — the gold standard for labral and selected ligament work-ups.
Arthrogram (Fluoroscopic)
Fluoroscopically guided joint injection performed by board-certified radiologists.
X-Ray
Walk-in digital X-ray at most sites for acute injury, post-operative follow-up, and alignment.
We do not currently advertise MSK ultrasound or image-guided injection/biopsy procedures beyond fluoroscopic arthrogram. When those services are indicated, please refer to a center that offers them.
Supporting articles
Patient-friendly, conservatively written guides — read by our clinical team and reviewed before publication.
Orthopedic & Sports Imaging FAQ
When should an X-ray come before an MRI?+
X-ray is almost always the first study after acute trauma — it rules out fracture and dislocation quickly and cheaply. MRI follows when soft-tissue injury (ligament, tendon, meniscus, labrum, cartilage) is suspected, when symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, or when surgical planning is needed.
What is MR arthrography and when is it useful?+
MR arthrography combines an intra-articular contrast injection (under fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance) with MRI. The contrast distends the joint capsule and dramatically improves visualization of labral tears in the shoulder and hip, and certain ligament injuries.
Do I need a referral for an orthopedic MRI?+
Yes. All MRI studies require an order from a physician or qualified provider. Your ordering provider's office can fax the order or submit it through our provider portal.
Can I have an MRI with metal hardware from a previous surgery?+
Most modern orthopedic hardware is MRI-conditional. Tell our screening team the make and model so the technologist can confirm safety settings and optimize the protocol to minimize metal artifact.
How long does a joint MRI take?+
Most single-joint MRIs take 20–35 minutes. MR arthrography takes about 60–90 minutes total — the injection, a short wait, and then the MRI sequences.
When can an athlete return to play after an injury?+
Return-to-play decisions belong to the treating sports-medicine physician, athletic trainer, and surgeon — not to the radiologist. Imaging supports that decision by characterizing tissue healing, alignment, and structural integrity. See the supporting article on return-to-play imaging for more detail.
Do you offer same-day or after-hours appointments?+
Most locations offer same-day or next-day MRI and walk-in X-ray. Evening and weekend appointments are available at many sites — call your nearest location or check availability online.
Schedule with Precise
Same-day and next-day appointments at most California locations. We accept insurance, cash, workers' comp, and personal-injury liens — call us if you have coverage questions.