Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the modern highly informative methods for diagnosing pathological processes in internal organs and tissues. The study does not have a radiation or radio wave load on the body, therefore it has a minimum of contraindications.
MRI of the knee is performed for a detailed examination of the ligaments, muscles, cartilage, menisci, patella, tendons, vessels, nerve endings and bone tissues of the joint. Using the magnetic resonance technique the doctor receives clear layered images to visualize damage, inflammation and other pathologies of this area of the musculoskeletal system. There are MR tomography of the knee with and without contrast.
What does an MRI of the knee show
Magnetic resonance imaging is an effective method for diagnosing diseases of the knee joint, which is more informative than CT or X-ray. The study is prescribed to confirm the primary diagnosis or to assess the condition after the treatment.
What the doctor sees on a series of layered MRI images of the knees:
- Injuries to bones and cartilage, meniscus, patella due to trauma of any age.
- The condition of the blood vessels.
- Diseases of the knee joint - arthrosis, osteoarthritis, arthritis, Baker's cyst, synomyoma.
- Injuries to ligaments and tendons.
- Tumours with differentiation into benign and malignant, metastases.
- Inflammatory processes and tissue necrosis.
- Ruptures and pinched meniscus.
Standard examination includes layered images of the knee in different projections (in flat and three-dimensional space).
If oncology is suspected, the doctor recommends an MRI with contrast enhancement. With the help of this type of diagnostics, a specialist can accurately study the structure of blood vessels, damaged tissues and neoplasms. In the presence of cancerous tumors, it is possible to determine their clear boundaries and sizes, the presence of metastases.
In case of bone injury (dislocation, fracture), a more revealing diagnostic method is X-ray or computed tomography. MRI is focused on studying the state of tissues, blood vessels, cartilage and neoplasms.
Indications for knee MRI
An orthopedist, surgeon, oncologist, internist, or other specialist refer a patient for an MRI of the knee when:
- The need to clarify the diagnosis after the initial examination using other methods.
- Complaints of frequent pain in the knees, swelling, crunching of the joints when moving.
- Sports injuries
- Diagnosed fluid accumulation.
- Loss of mobility or feeling of instability in the joint.
- Suspicion of rupture of ligaments or tendons, damage to the meniscus.
- Complications after the installation of implants or endoprostheses.
- Primary or secondary examination in oncology.
- Infectious pathologies (osteomyelitis).
- Examination before surgery - arthroscopy, surgery after trauma.
Diagnosis is important for making a diagnosis and prescribing adequate treatment. In the pictures, the doctor will see not only pathologies in tissues, bones or cartilage, but also establish the cause of their appearance. In oncology, it is possible to determine the stage and extent of tissue damage.
