Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic technique that provides high-quality cross-sectional
images of organs and structures within the body without X-rays or other radiation. Holy Name's Radiology Department contains one closed MRI unit, one open unit, and Bergen County's only extremities—only MRI unit for the examination of hands, feet, elbows, fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, and toes.
During an MRI, the patient is exposed to short bursts of powerful magnetic fields and radio waves. The bursts stimulate hydrogen atoms in the patient's tissues to emit signals, which are detected and analyzed by a computer to create an image of a "slice" of the patient's body. MRI is particularly useful in studying the brain and spinal cord. It is also used to produce detailed images of the eye, ear, heart, major blood vessels, joints, and soft tissues.
Extremity MRI
Holy Name's new Extremity MRI scanner provides the same high-quality images that whole-body scanners produce, but doesn’t require the patient’s entire body to be closed up inside the machine. The MRI extremity scanner is quieter than a whole-body scanner and is used primarily for uncomplicated sports and orthopedic injuries of the knees, ankles, feet, wrists and hands. The patient simply sits in an attached chair (which can be tilted to different angles), places the injured arm or leg into the 
machine, and waits until the test finishes.
The extremity scanner is patient-friendly and offers greater comfort and mobility than a whole-body scanner. It is also appropriate for pediatric patients, those who are claustrophobic or patients who may have trouble lying down in a tight space for a long period of time because of arthritis or other medical conditions.
The MRI Department is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
Contact Information and Scheduling
The Radiology Department – MRI
Holy Name Hospital
201-833-7272