MRI is sensitive to changes in the structure of the cartilage from aging or injury making it particularly useful in evaluating the knee joint. A knee MRI high-resolution multiplanar images of the knee joint’s collar cartilage (articular cartilage) and the cartilage located behind the kneecap (patellofemoral cartilage) as well as the ligaments and tendons supporting the knee.
MRI is also a reliable technique to prove the presence of fractures in cases where plain x-ray fail to do so.
Indications for a Knee MRI are often related to previous injuries and age:
- Sport injuries (Fractures, dislocations, meniscus tears, ligament and tendon tears/ruptures)
- Torn cartilage
- Degenerative changes
- Inflammation or infection
- Torn or strained ligaments
- Sprain
- Joint pains (acute or chronic)
- Lesions of the bone or soft tissue (Bakers’ cyst)
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye