MRI Scan Tibia

A tibia MRI visualizes the shinbone’s internal structure and surrounding soft tissues, detecting fractures (including stress fractures), bone marrow edema, tumors, and infections. It also shows cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and joint involvement at the knee or ankle, helping assess sprains, contusions, post‑operative changes and chronic conditions such as osteomyelitis or bone marrow disorders. MRI highlights inflammation, fluid, and subtle structural abnormalities.

Yes — a knee MRI images the proximal tibia (tibial plateau) and surrounding structures, showing bone marrow, cartilage, ligaments, meniscal attachments, and cortical integrity. It detects fractures, bone bruises, osteochondral lesions, degenerative changes, and post‑op issues. For fine cortical detail or complex fractures, CT or X‑ray may be preferred alongside MRI.

A tibia MRI typically takes about 20–45 minutes of scanning. If intravenous contrast is used, the exam may extend to 30–60 minutes. Including check-in, safety screening and positioning, expect a total appointment time of roughly 45–90 minutes. Times vary by imaging center, protocol complexity and whether additional sequences or repeats are needed.

MRI cannot directly detect pain, but it can reveal causes of bone pain—fractures, bone marrow edema, infection (osteomyelitis), tumors, and inflammatory changes—often earlier and more clearly than X‑ray. It also shows surrounding soft tissues and joints. Doctors commonly use MRI when bone pain is unexplained or persistent; other tests (X‑ray, CT, bone scan, blood tests) may complement it depending on clinical suspicion.

Yes. MRI can detect many causes of leg nerve damage — it visualizes nerve compression from herniated discs, tumors, inflammation, or traumatic injury and can show structural nerve abnormalities, especially with MR neurography. However, it’s less sensitive for small-fiber or functional neuropathies; nerve conduction studies (NCS/EMG) and clinical evaluation are often needed to confirm peripheral nerve dysfunction and assess severity.

An MRI of the lower leg typically costs about ₹1,000–₹6,000 in India at private centres; in the US prices commonly range $500–$3,000 out‑of‑pocket depending on facility, insurance and contrast use. In the UK NHS scans are usually free, while private scans run about £250–£700. Final cost depends on location, contrast, facility type and radiologist/report fees.