MRI of the knee joint
MRI of the knee is performed for a detailed examination of the ligaments, muscles, cartilage, meniscus, kneecap, tendons, vessels, nerve endings and bone tissue of the joint. Using magnetic resonance imaging, the doctor obtains clear layered images to visualize damage, inflammation and other pathologies of this area of the musculoskeletal system. A distinction is made between MRI of the knee with and without contrast.
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Indications for MRI of the knees
An orthopedic surgeon, surgeon, oncologist, therapist or other specialist refers a patient to have an MRI of the knee joint if:
- The need to clarify the diagnosis after the initial examination using other methods
- Complaints of frequent pain in the knees, swelling, crunching of joints when moving
- Sports injuries
- Diagnosed fluid accumulation
- Decreased mobility or a feeling of instability in the joint
- Suspected ligament or tendon rupture, meniscus damage
- Complications after installation of implants or endoprostheses
- Primary or secondary examination in oncology
- Infectious pathologies (osteomyelitis)
- Examination before surgery - arthroscopy, surgery after injury
Diagnostics is important for diagnosis and adequate treatment. In the images, the doctor will see not only pathologies in tissues, bones or cartilage, but also determine the cause of their occurrence. In oncology, it is possible to determine the stage and extent of tissue damage.
General information about the procedure
How is an MRI of the knee joint performed?
Diagnostics is performed on a tomograph - a device that works with a magnetic field with a strength of 1.5 Tesla. The equipment can be open or closed tunnel type, consists of a radiofrequency coil and a sliding table.
No special preparation is required for a standard examination. When prescribing an MRI with contrast, the following requirements must be met:
- Do not eat for 6 hours before the procedure or undergo diagnostics in the morning on an empty stomach
- Abstain from smoking 2 hours before going to the clinic
- Inform your doctor about any allergies, chronic kidney disease, asthma, pregnancy, or metal objects in the body (implants, endoprostheses, clips, pacemakers)
Before the diagnosis, the patient changes into clothes without metal fasteners, removes all metal accessories, false teeth, and hearing aids.
Answers to popular questions
How is an MRI of the knee joint performed?
The patient lies down on a table that slowly moves into the tunnel. The limbs are fixed with soft rollers. As the scanner moves, the magnetic field is directed at the object being examined, then, under the effect of resonance, the waves are reflected. The sensor receives the signal and converts it into clear images on the screen. During the entire procedure, you cannot move so that the picture is clear.
When performing an MRI with contrast, a standard series of images is first taken, then a special ferromagnetic fluid (gadolinium) is injected into the patient's blood. This is done by intravenous injection. The scan is then repeated.
The technique involves comparing images before and after the introduction of a contrast agent.
How long does it take to do an MRI of the knee joint?
The diagnostics takes about 30 minutes in standard mode and about 45 minutes when using a contrast enhancer.
What does it feel like during an MRI? While the machine is working, the patient feels warmth and a slight tingling sensation in the knee area, which is normal. The scanning procedure and the injection of contrast agent are painless. If pain or burning occurs, the patient can stop the machine by pressing a button inside the tunnel. A built-in microphone and speaker are provided for communication with the doctor.
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What does an MRI of the knee joint show?
Magnetic resonance imaging is an effective method for diagnosing knee joint diseases, which is more informative than CT or X-ray. The study is prescribed to confirm the initial diagnosis or to assess the condition after treatment.
What the doctor can see in a series of layered MRI images of the knees:
A standard examination includes layered images of the knee in different projections (in flat and three-dimensional space).
If oncology is suspected, the doctor recommends doing an MRI with contrast enhancement. With 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.