Foot and MRI Questions

Hello and thank you for taking the time to answer.  I am looking at my foot MRI report and I don't understand it.  Please tell me what "irregularity with signal alteration of the flexor digitorum longus tendon slip for the fourth digit with focal areas of mild tendon thickening and small amount of fluid noted within the tendon sheath with tendonopathy and tenosynovitis " means. What is signal alteration? Thanks.

[JainMD]

Hi Mottie,
How are you feeling?
I assume you have got MRI done in view you having numbness and pain in your foot at the outer side.
The language you have mentioned is MRI language that is signal alteration.
MRI is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that uses hydrogen atoms in the body to create an image.
It is used to assess the joints like detection of ligament or tendon pathology; fibro-cartilage tears (e.g., menisci, glenoid labrum); hyaline cartilage defects; and associated bone marrow changes of arthritis. It also helps in detection and characterization of synovial disease (e.g., PVNS, synovial osteochondromatosis).
Signal alteration suggests that after comparison as per there standard signal intensity from each joint tissue there was signal alteration found of flexor digitorum longus tendon suggesting some pathology like tear or injury.
I think you should discuss this with your radiologist for further explanation.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.