Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Left Clavicle With Intravenous Contrast

This test is an X-ray that takes pictures of your clavicle, the bone that runs between your shoulder and your breastbone, so that your doctor can closely examine the bone for fractures, dislocations, or other problems.

This is an MRI scan of the left clavicle, or collarbone. Intravenous contrast is given through a vein to help certain tissues and abnormalities appear more clearly on the images.

You might need this test if you have fallen, been in an accident, or injured your shoulder, or if you have ongoing pain, swelling, bruising, or a visible bump along your collarbone. The images help your doctor find a broken bone, check how well an injury is healing, or look for other causes of your symptoms.

The scan may be used to evaluate a collarbone injury, such as a fracture, or to investigate pain, infection, inflammation, or a mass. It can also show how the collarbone relates to nearby muscles, joints, blood vessels, and nerves.

A trained technologist will have you lie on a table or sit or stand against the X-ray machine and will position your shoulder so the clavicle is clearly visible. You will need to hold very still while the images are taken from one or more angles. The test is painless and usually takes only a few minutes.

You will lie on a padded table while the MRI machine creates images of the left shoulder area. Contrast material is usually injected into an arm vein before or during the scan. The scanner may make loud noises, and you may be asked to remain still.

Preparation is simple. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown and to remove jewelry, glasses, or any metal objects near your neck, chest, or shoulders because they can block the images. Tell the technologist if you are or may be pregnant before the test begins.

Follow the facility's instructions, which may include telling the care team about contrast allergies, kidney disease, pregnancy, implanted devices, or metal in your body. Remove jewelry and other metal objects before the scan and tell the technologist if you feel anxious or uncomfortable in enclosed spaces.