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MRI Stand Up

Sun Radiology

Radiologist, Neuroradiologist, and Musculoskeletal Radiologist in Glendale, AZ; Peoria, AZ; & Phoenix, AZ

Multi-positional MRI provides crucial insight into the spine’s condition under the stress of movement and bearing weight. Sun Radiology offers MRI Stand Up (also known as upright MRI) so patients can be imaged while standing, sitting, or in other positions—not only lying flat.

Board-certified radiologist Manntej Sra, MD, and the team provide this option alongside our MRI 3T and Open MRI services at convenient locations in Peoria, Phoenix, and Glendale, Arizona. If you need a MRI Stand Up, call your nearest office or book an appointment online today.

Medical Cases

Postoperative Hypermobile – Spinal Instability

Dynamic assessment with SUN RADIOLOGY STAND-UP MRI demonstrated spinal instability undetected by standard recumbent imaging in a patient experiencing recurrent low back pain after L4-S1 fusion surgery. STAND-UP MRI revealed spinal instability that was not detected on conventional recumbent imaging in a patient with recurrent low back pain following L4-S1 fusion.

Chiari Malformation

UPRIGHT® MRI demonstrated increased caudal descent of the cerebellar tonsils, leading to targeted neurosurgical intervention that successfully resolved the patient's drop attacks.

Position-Dependent Disc Herniation

Position-dependent disc herniation was demonstrated on SUN RADIOLOGY STAND-UP dynamic MRI, revealing a focal posterior disc herniation at the C4-C5 level causing spinal cord compression. This finding was evident only when the neck was placed in extension.

Why Choose MRI Stand Up?

Upright, Weight-Bearing & Multi-Position Advantage

Our open upright MRI allows for imaging of the body in weight-bearing positions that can reveal injuries not seen on conventional MRI scanners. Multi-positional imaging can provide crucial insight into the spine’s condition under the stress of movement and bearing weight.

Patient Comfort

Open upright MRI is designed for patient comfort, allowing even the most claustrophobic patients to be scanned more comfortably. Many patients who struggle with traditional closed scanners find this option easier to complete.

Advanced Imaging Powered by AI

Sun Radiology combines upright multi-position MRI with advanced imaging capabilities and efficient image acquisition supported by modern AI-enhanced processing—helping deliver clear, clinically useful studies.

A Trusted Imaging Partner Focused on Patient Care and Diagnostic Excellence

At Sun Radiology, we understand that patients referred for imaging are often dealing with pain, anxiety, injury-related stress, and uncertainty about their condition. Our mission is to provide an imaging experience that not only delivers exceptional diagnostic quality but also supports patient comfort and cooperation throughout the process.

From scheduling through report delivery, our team prioritizes clear communication, compassionate care, and individualized attention. We take the time to educate patients about their examination, address concerns, and create a comfortable environment that helps reduce anxiety and improve exam compliance.

For personal injury attorneys, neurologists, pain management physicians, and chiropractors, this commitment translates into a more seamless experience for both providers and patients. Our patient-centered approach, combined with advanced MRI technology and strict diagnostic protocols, helps ensure high-quality studies that support accurate diagnoses, treatment planning, and case documentation.

Why Referring Providers Choose Sun Radiology MRI Stand Up

  • Compassionate, patient-focused care that promotes exam completion and patient satisfaction
  • Advanced MRI technology designed to produce high-quality diagnostic images
  • Efficient scheduling and streamlined communication
  • Accurate, timely reports to support treatment decisions and legal case management
  • A professional team dedicated to serving referring physicians, chiropractors, and personal injury professionals

Advanced Imaging. Exceptional Expertise. Diagnostic Confidence.

At Sun Radiology, our mission is to provide referring physicians and healthcare professionals with the highest level of diagnostic accuracy through advanced imaging technology, expert radiological interpretation, and patient-centered care. Every patient presents a unique clinical picture, which is why we offer MRI solutions designed to deliver meaningful diagnostic information.

Our open upright multi-position MRI can evaluate patients in weight-bearing and functional positions and may offer diagnostic insights that are not visible during traditional supine imaging—particularly for spine, musculoskeletal, and injury-related conditions. This complements our MRI 3T and MRI Open options.

Expert Radiology Team

Every examination is interpreted by board-certified, subspecialty-trained radiologists with expertise in neurological, spinal, orthopedic, and musculoskeletal imaging. Our radiologists work closely with referring providers to ensure clinically relevant, accurate, and comprehensive reports that support diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical decision-making, and ongoing patient management.

For personal injury professionals and treating physicians, our commitment to image quality and detailed reporting helps provide objective documentation and diagnostic clarity when evaluating injury-related conditions.

Comprehensive MRI Stand Up Services

Our MRI Services

Upright & Multi-Position MRI

Image patients while standing, sitting, or bending to help identify conditions that may not be visible during traditional MRI exams.

Trauma & Personal Injury Imaging

Comprehensive evaluation of injuries related to auto accidents, workplace incidents, sports injuries, and other traumatic events.

Accessible MRI Options

Comfortable imaging solutions for patients with claustrophobia, mobility limitations, chronic pain, or difficulty lying flat.

Follow-Up & Chronic Condition Monitoring

Reliable imaging for ongoing treatment, post-surgical evaluations, and long-term management of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

Specialized Imaging for Common Conditions

  • Spine & Back Pain: Evaluate herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and spinal instability with weight-bearing MRI technology.
  • Knee & Joint Injuries: Detailed assessment of ligament tears, meniscus injuries, cartilage damage, arthritis, and other joint disorders.
  • Auto Accident Injuries: Comprehensive imaging for whiplash, neck and back injuries, soft tissue trauma, joint injuries, and related trauma.

Patient Comfort Without Compromising Diagnostic Quality

MRI Stand Up offers solutions for patients who may struggle with conventional MRI exams due to pain, injury, or physical limitations. Because many studies can be performed without lying completely flat, upright MRI is often a preferred option for individuals with back pain, joint conditions, or mobility challenges.

Our open design can also provide greater accessibility and comfort for patients with anxiety or larger body size. From the moment you arrive, our team is dedicated to making your visit as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

If needed, our radiologist can call in a prescription for oral sedation for your patients.

MRI Exam Preparation & Safety Information

Your safety is our highest priority. Because MRI scanners use a powerful magnetic field, certain medical devices, implants, and metal objects may affect your eligibility for an MRI exam. Please notify our staff before your appointment if any of the following apply:

  • Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
  • Metal fragments in the eyes
  • Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
  • Heart surgery, heart valve procedures, or implanted cardiac devices
  • Prior brain surgery, aneurysm clips, or neurostimulators
  • Cochlear implants, infusion/drug pumps, or other metallic implants
  • Medication patches, magnetic nail products, or tattoos with metallic pigments

Getting ready: Continue prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise. Most MRI exams do not require dietary restrictions. Arrive a few minutes early for registration and safety screening.

Contrast exams: Some studies require contrast. You may be asked about prior contrast reactions, kidney disease, dialysis, pregnancy, breastfeeding, seizure disorders, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Avoid another contrast-enhanced MRI within 72 hours unless directed by your physician.

What to bring: Photo ID, insurance card, physician’s MRI order, and payment for any copay/coinsurance or previous balance. Bring prior imaging reports if requested.

What to wear: Loose, comfortable, metal-free clothing without zippers, snaps, hooks, or decorative metal. A gown can be provided if needed.

For your safety, leave the following outside the MRI room:

  • Hearing aids, watches, jewelry, piercings, eyeglasses, and dentures
  • Wallets, credit/debit cards, keys, coins, and loose metal objects
  • Cell phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics
  • Insulin pumps, hairpins/clips, firearms, or weapons

Questions? Contact scheduling at 623-815-8200 (Option 1) before your appointment.

MRI Stand Up Q & A

A MRI Stand Up (upright MRI) allows imaging while you are standing, sitting, or in other positions rather than lying flat. This can help evaluate how joints, the spine, and other structures look under normal weight-bearing conditions. A board-certified radiologist interprets the images to help diagnose a wide range of conditions.

A MRI Stand Up may be recommended when symptoms appear only while standing or sitting, or when your physician wants weight-bearing views of the spine, joints, or other structures. It can also be a comfortable option for patients who prefer not to lie flat for a traditional closed MRI.

During a MRI Stand Up, you may stand, sit, or be positioned 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. Scan time varies based on the study ordered.