Knee joints are one of the most weight-bearing joints. It consists of bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. The knee joints have several problems that come into the picture in knee MRI. When you suffer from any injury or damage to your knee joint, you experience debilitating pain in response. Doctors ask for an MRI scan for knee pain diagnosis because it helps the doctor in getting to the root of your pain to provide you with the treatment you need. An MRI of the knee provides a clear view of the inside of your knee along with its functioning. This scan uses powerful magnetic and radio waves and a special computer to obtain a clear picture to diagnose the problem. Some cases require more clarity to diagnose the problem. In those cases, contrast media is used to highlight the particular parts of knee anatomy.
In this blog, we will discuss the Knee MRI scan and how it is helpful in the diagnosis of knee-related problems.
Points To Be Discussed
- What is a Knee MRI Scan?
- What conditions can be diagnosed with Knee MRI Scan?
- Are there any precautions that I need to follow before an MRI Scan?
- How is Knee MRI performed?
- What are the risks of a Knee MRI scan?
- How much time does Knee MRI scan?
- What is the cost of a Knee MRI scan?
About Knee MRI
A knee MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) scan is an imaging methodology that utilizes strong magnets and radio waves to view the structure inside the knee and its surrounding areas. A Knee MRI gives you detailed images of the knee joint, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and blood vessels. It is recommended by doctors to diagnose the bottom of the pain and other symptoms you are experiencing. It helps in ruling out the problems of the knee that causes knee pain such as infection, arthritis, bone tumors, ligament tear, injury or damage, etc.
Knee MRI helps in better understanding of the knee-related problem that is not visible on the x-ray images. This scan helps the doctor in the diagnosis of the injury or condition that may be affecting the joint and soft tissues of the knee.
What Conditions Can Be Diagnosed With Knee MRI Scan?
Knee MRI shows a range of problems such as:
- Ligament Tear
- Cartilage damage
- Tear to tendon
- Fracture of bones
- Bone tumors
- Osteoarthritis
- Infection
- When a doctor suspects that there are abnormalities within your knee joint.
- To monitor the response to treatment and physical therapy.
- To monitor the healing of the knee joint after the surgical procedure.
Doctors recommend an MRI scan when you experience the symptoms such as knee pain, swelling, inflammation, etc.
Are There Any Precautions That I Need To Follow Before An MRI Scan?
- You need to remove all types of metallic ornaments and objects such as jewelry, watches, spectacles, hair pins, zippers, etc.
- Let the doctor and technologist know if you have any implanted device in your body such as a pacemaker, orthopedic implants, dental implants, joint prostheses, brain aneurysms clips
- Inform the doctor and technologist know if you are pregnant
- Notify the technologist and doctor if you are an allergic reaction
- Give detailed information to the doctor and technologist if you are claustrophobic.
How Is Knee MRI Performed?
You are asked to lie on a flat table in a still position without any movements. If you are not able to remain stable during the procedure, the technologist may use straps. In some cases, the doctor recommends an MRI knee with contrast, and for that contrast media is administrated to get a clear image. After that technologist slides the table inside the MRI scanner for the scanning procedure and coils may be placed around your knees to get clear and detailed images. During the scanning, you may experience loud sounds while the scanning is done to obtain the images and the technologist may provide you the headphone to avoid the sound. During the procedure, if you experience any problem, you can communicate with a technologist who is in another room through the intercom. Once the scanning is done, the technologist slides you out of the scanning machine and you can resume your activities.
What are the risks of a Knee MRI scan?
There are various risks of knee MRI scans such as:
MRI doesn’t use any harmful radiation but still, it is not considered a safe procedure for developing a fetus. Because MRI uses a magnetic field and it may create a problem with metallic implants. If contrast dye is involved in the procedure, some people may experience an allergic reaction.
How much time does Knee MRI scan?
The procedure of a Knee MRI scan may take 15 to 30 minutes and may also take longer if contrast dye is involved.
What is the cost of a Knee MRI scan?
The MRI scan price for Knee usually ranges between INR 7000 to INR 9000. For information on the exact price of a knee MRI scan, you can contact any diagnostic center near you.
Conclusion
Various kinds of knee-related issues cause debilitating pain in your knee joint. To get the exact information of what is happening inside your knee joint when an x-ray or CT scan is not showing the exact detail, the doctor asks for a knee MRI scan. This scanning procedure gives a clear picture of the knee and underlying problems that develop the symptoms such as knee pain, inflammation, and swelling. The result of the knee MRI scan explains the problem and decides the best possible treatment for you.
