Weight-bearing MRI, also known as Axial-loaded MRI, simulates a standing up position by applying compression to the lumbar spine. The imaging captures how the patient actually feels while standing, and takes into account the effect that gravity has on a patient’s spine. The MRI technician attaches the DynaWell compression device to the patient prior to entering the open MRI and applies 50% of the patient’s body weight in compression. This closes the gaps in the L-spine thereby revealing herniation and bulges that did not present as significantly when the patient was in a relaxed position. Adding 50% compression does not create false positives of medical conditions that do not exist.
Weight-bearing MRI provides the highest quality imaging available for the L-spine and can influence physician treatment decisions. Most importantly, it gives the physician more insight into the true nature of the patient’s condition, and gives the patient more comfort in knowing their doctor has found their source of pain that previously went undetected.
Furthermore, weight-bearing MRIs are currently used around the country even though M1 Imaging is the first facility to bring this groundbreaking technology to Michigan. The benefits of weight-bearing imaging have not been disputed and serve as direct evidence in court cases.

Flexion and Extension MRI allows the physician to see the patient’s neck not only while it is in a supine position but also while the neck is bent up and down. Many times patients with whiplash or other neck conditions are in greater pain while they are flexing and extending their neck. M1 Imaging is able to capture these discords while other MRI centers in the area do not provide this technique. The patient benefits from having better image data and it does not take very long to add flexion and extension to the patient’s scan time.

M1 Imaging uses a specialized protocol called Susceptibility Weighted Image (SWI). The SWI image is possible through the use of algorithms that differentiate the densities of adjacent tissues. While the signal density forms the basis of all MR scans, the SWI scan is 3-to-6 times more sensitive as it accounts for the susceptibility of all brain elements, including hemorrhages – hence the name susceptibility-weighted image. This differs from the more common DTI protocol. DTI works by measuring the diffusion of water through tissue. With DTI, measurements are isolated to identify the preferred direction of flow, which allows for the isolation of neural tracts from the brain’s white matter. The SWI image shows iron concentrations in the brain and can detect a brain hemorrhage even when the general brain scan appears negative.

Yes, M1 Imaging uses High Field coils that specifically target the joints and provide much better images than competitor MRIs.  Our imaging of shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, and feet provide a greater level of detail and much higher resolution than most facilities can offer.

Dr. Chintan Desai, the chief radiologist for M1 Imaging, reads reports on a daily basis and our office will fax your patient’s report within 24-48 hours. Physicians are given a username and password to log into their own online database where they can see all their patient’s reports in one place, as well as the key images and prior reports. Physician staff can download a PDF version of the report onto a computer hard drive and upload it into a patient’s file.

M1 allows its physicians to access the American College of Radiology website to guide appropriateness of MRI ordering. The website will help doctors determine which MRIs are needed based on a set of symptom criteria. This way, physicians can be sure they are ordering the right MRI protocol for their patient’s condition.

No, M1 Imaging provides exceptional value to patients.  We bill at 60% of the national average, and we do not charge additional fees for the weight-bearing, flexion and extension, and TBI protocol.  We take almost all insurance including BCBS, Medicare and Medicaid.

If you have questions about scheduling, or the benefits of M1 Imaging Center for all your MRI needs, please contact us using for form below. You can also contact us via email at [email protected] or by calling us at (248) 268-2119.