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MRI Open

Sun Radiology MRI Open

Comfortable, Accurate Imaging Designed Around You — Glendale, AZ; Peoria, AZ; & Phoenix, AZ

Sun Radiology offers MRI Open—including weight-bearing, open, and tiltable MRI options—for patients who need detailed imaging in a more accessible, patient-friendly environment. Board-certified radiologist Manntej Sra, MD, and the team provide MRI Open alongside our MRI 3T and MRI Stand Up services at convenient locations in Peoria, Phoenix, and Glendale, Arizona.

Unlike traditional MRI scanners that require patients to lie inside a narrow tunnel, MRI Open systems feature a spacious design that helps reduce anxiety and improve comfort throughout the examination—while still providing the diagnostic information physicians rely on.

What Is an MRI Open?

MRI Open (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is an advanced diagnostic imaging modality that utilizes powerful magnetic fields and radiofrequency technology to generate detailed, high-resolution images of internal anatomical structures without ionizing radiation. Unlike traditional closed-bore MRI systems, MRI Open scanners feature a more accessible design that reduces patient confinement while maintaining excellent diagnostic capabilities.

The open configuration typically positions the magnetic components above and below, or alongside the patient, creating a less restrictive environment and improving patient tolerance during the examination. This design can be especially helpful for individuals who experience anxiety, claustrophobia, or discomfort in conventional MRI systems.

MRI Open is routinely used to evaluate a wide range of neurological, musculoskeletal, spinal, orthopedic, and soft tissue conditions, providing physicians with valuable diagnostic information for clinical assessment and treatment planning.

Clinical Advantages of MRI Open

MRI Open may be especially appropriate for patients who:

  • Experience claustrophobia or anxiety in traditional enclosed MRI scanners
  • Have difficulty remaining in a supine position due to back pain, joint disorders, or respiratory conditions
  • Require a more accessible imaging environment because of mobility limitations
  • Benefit from positional or weight-bearing imaging to assess symptoms that occur under physiologic loading
  • Cannot be comfortably accommodated in a conventional closed-bore MRI system due to body habitus

Improving Patient Comfort Without Compromising Care

By combining advanced imaging technology with a patient-centered design, MRI Open can enhance patient comfort, improve examination tolerance, and increase compliance while providing the diagnostic information physicians rely upon for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

For many patients, MRI Open offers a more comfortable and accessible alternative to traditional MRI systems while maintaining the high standards of diagnostic imaging required for quality patient care.

What Is an MRI Open Used For?

MRI Open helps physicians diagnose and monitor a wide variety of medical conditions, including:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Herniated and bulging discs
  • Joint injuries and arthritis
  • Sports-related injuries
  • Neurological conditions
  • Soft tissue and ligament damage
  • Tumors and infections
  • Chronic musculoskeletal disorders
  • Auto accident and trauma-related injuries

Because MRI Open offers greater flexibility and patient accessibility, it is often the preferred choice for individuals who have difficulty completing a traditional MRI exam.

MRI Open May Be Ideal For Patients Who:

  • Experience claustrophobia or anxiety in enclosed spaces
  • Have difficulty lying flat due to pain or breathing problems
  • Require a more comfortable and accessible imaging environment
  • Need weight-bearing or positional imaging of the spine and joints
  • Have mobility limitations or larger body types
  • Require a less intimidating experience for children or special-needs patients

Common Sun Radiology MRI Open Exams

Our MRI Open systems can be used to evaluate:

Spine & Neck
  • Cervical Spine
  • Thoracic Spine
  • Lumbar Spine
  • Weight-Bearing Spine Imaging
Brain & Neurology
  • Brain MRI
  • Concussion & Trauma Evaluation
  • Neurological Disorders
Joints & Musculoskeletal Imaging
  • Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Ankle, Wrist, and Elbow MRI
Body Imaging
  • Abdomen, Pelvic, Chest, and Extremity MRI
Functional & Weight-Bearing Studies
  • Standing Spine MRI
  • Sitting MRI Evaluations
  • Positional Joint Imaging
  • Functional Musculoskeletal Assessment

What to Expect During Your MRI Open

Your comfort is our priority. During your examination, you’ll be positioned comfortably based on the type of study being performed. Depending on the exam, imaging may be performed while lying down, sitting, or standing. Unlike traditional MRI scanners, MRI Open allows you to remain in a spacious environment with a clear view of your surroundings throughout the procedure.

During the scan:

  • A trained MRI technologist will guide you every step of the way
  • You’ll hear normal tapping or humming sounds as images are acquired
  • Ear protection or headphones may be provided for added comfort
  • Some exams may require a contrast agent, depending on your physician’s instructions
  • Most examinations are completed within 30 to 60 minutes

Key differences with MRI Open machines include no enclosed tunnel, more space and natural lighting to help reduce anxiety, the ability to see out and maintain a visual connection with the room, and—at Sun Radiology—the option for sitting or standing positions for greater comfort when clinically appropriate.

Benefits of MRI Open

Greater Patient Comfort

The open design helps reduce feelings of confinement and anxiety, making the experience easier for many patients.

Improved Accessibility

MRI Open accommodates patients with mobility challenges, chronic pain, or difficulty positioning in traditional MRI scanners.

Weight-Bearing & Positional Imaging

Select MRI Open systems allow imaging while sitting, standing, or under natural weight-bearing conditions, providing valuable diagnostic information for certain spinal and orthopedic conditions.

No Radiation Exposure

MRI technology uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not ionizing radiation, making it a safe and effective diagnostic tool.

Why Choose Sun Radiology for Your MRI Open

  • Compassionate care combined with state-of-the-art technology for accuracy and comfort
  • Multiple open MRI options, including traditional open MRI and multi-position systems that allow sitting, standing, or lying down
  • Claustrophobia-friendly environment with a completely open design
  • Exams interpreted by board-certified, subspecialty radiologists
  • High weight capacity with systems accommodating patients up to 500+ lbs
  • Convenient locations in the Greater Phoenix area

Understanding the MRI Process

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) creates detailed pictures of the body’s internal structures by capturing signals from tissues and converting them into diagnostic images through advanced computer technology. The process uses a powerful magnetic field together with carefully controlled radio waves to generate these signals.

  • A magnetic field temporarily aligns hydrogen atoms naturally present in the body.
  • Radio wave energy is applied, causing these atoms to absorb and then release energy.
  • Specialized receiver coils detect the returning signals.
  • A computer analyzes the information and reconstructs it into highly detailed diagnostic images.

Your Comfort and Safety

Throughout your examination, a trained MRI technologist will continuously monitor you and remain available to assist whenever needed. The system includes a communication device that allows direct contact with the technologist during the procedure.

In some cases, your physician may request a contrast agent to improve visualization of certain tissues or structures. If you have any concerns before or during your MRI examination, please speak with your physician or a member of the MRI team.

MRI Open Q & A

An MRI Open uses a more open scanner design than a traditional closed tube MRI. It still uses magnets and radiofrequency energy to create detailed images of the insides of your body, while offering a less enclosed experience. A board-certified radiologist interprets the images to help diagnose a wide range of diseases and conditions.

An MRI Open may be a good option if you feel uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, have larger body size considerations, or prefer a more open scanning environment. Your physician may recommend MRI Open when detailed soft-tissue imaging is needed and an open system is appropriate for your study.

During an MRI Open, you will be positioned on the scanner table as directed by the technologist. The procedure is painless, but you will need to stay still for clear images. The machine makes noises while scanning, and ear protection is typically provided. The scan usually takes about 30-60 minutes depending on the exam.