MRI KNEE JOINT
Also Known As
Lab Test
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NABH Accredited
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6hrs
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About The Test
Definition & Technology Behind MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional pictures of your knee. Unlike X-ray or CT, MRI does not use ionising radiation, making it ideal for soft-tissue evaluation.
MRI vs X-ray vs CT for the Knee
| Feature | MRI | X-ray | CT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft-tissue clarity | Excellent | Poor | Average |
| Radiation | None | Yes | Yes |
| Bone detail | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Ideal for | Ligaments, menisci, cartilage | Fractures | Complex fractures |
List of Parameters
- Ligaments: ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL integrity
- Menisci: Medial & lateral meniscus tears or degeneration
- Cartilage thickness: Early arthritis detection
- Bone marrow edema: Stress injuries & bone bruises
Why This Test
- Persistent knee pain unrelieved by rest
- Visible swelling or locking episodes
- Instability after twisting injury
- Pre-surgical planning & post-op follow-up
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Zero radiation exposure
- Early detection of ligament tears & cartilage defects
- Guides targeted physiotherapy or surgery
- Prevents unnecessary arthroscopy
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Knee Joint
| Condition | What MRI Shows |
|---|---|
| ACL/PCL tear | Discontinuity & signal change |
| Meniscus tear | Linear high signal reaching surface |
| Cartilage defects | Thinning, fissuring, or full-thickness loss |
| Osteoarthritis | Joint-space narrowing, osteophytes |
| Bone contusions | Marrow edema pattern |
Preparing for test
- Clothing: Wear metal-free attire; we provide hospital gowns if needed.
- Metal objects: Remove jewellery, belts, credit cards, hearing aids.
- Fasting: Only if contrast is planned—fast 4 hours prior.
- Inform: Let us know about pregnancy, implants, or prior contrast reactions.
Pre-requisites
- Doctor’s prescription & referral (can be arranged on site)
- Previous imaging reports (CT/X-ray) for comparison
Best Time to Take the Test
- Early slots (7–9 am): Shorter wait times
- Post-injury 48–72 hours: Ideal window after swelling plateaus
Eligibility
- Age: Safe for infants to seniors
- Pregnancy: First-trimester scans deferred unless urgent; shielding provided in second & third trimesters
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Check-in & safety screening – 10 minutes
- Positioning – Lie on your back, knee centred in coil
- Scan duration – 20–30 minutes
- Contrast injection (if ordered) – IV line, extra 5 minutes
- Completion – Return to change room; collect digital films & report link within 2 hours
Caution Before the Test
- Remove metallic items – Keys, coins, mobile phones
- Disclose implants – Pacemakers, joint replacements, shrapnel
- Claustrophobia? – Oral sedation or mild IV relaxant available
Test Results
MRI Hip Joint – Normal & Abnormal Findings Overview
| Finding / Structure Imaged | Normal Appearance | Potential Abnormal Findings & General Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Femoral Head / Neck | Smooth articular surface; uniform marrow signal intensity; no cortical disruption. | Fracture lines, bone marrow edema, sclerosis, cysts, osteophytes, flattening or collapse (AVN), or focal lesions. Significance: Indicates trauma, AVN, arthritis, or neoplasm. |
| Acetabulum | Smooth cartilage; congruent femoral head coverage; normal bony contour. | Acetabular fracture, dysplasia (shallow socket), pincer-type impingement (over-coverage), cartilage wear, bone cysts or osteophytes. Significance: Suggests instability, FAI, or degenerative changes. |
| ACL intact | Continuous low-signal band | No tear |
| Labrum (Acetabular) | Triangular shape, low signal, uniform and firmly attached to acetabular rim. | High signal within labrum, tearing (flap, radial), detachment, paralabral cysts. Significance: Common in FAI; contributes to hip pain, clicking, and instability. |
| Medial meniscus vertical tear | High signal reaching inferior surface | Likely needs arthroscopy |
| Muscles (e.g., Gluteals, Adductors) | Normal bulk and signal; intact fascicular architecture. | Edema (strain), hematoma, muscle tear, atrophy, fatty infiltration. Significance: May reflect acute injury, overuse, denervation, or chronic disuse. |
| Cartilage thinning <50 % | Focal loss on weight-bearing area | Early osteoarthritis |
| Bone marrow edema | Patchy high T2 signal | Stress reaction or bruise |
| Bursae (e.g., Trochanteric) | Thin fluid-filled sac, typically not visualized if normal. | Bursal fluid distension, thickened or enhancing walls. Significance: Trochanteric bursitis—common cause of lateral hip pain; can also occur in ischial or iliopsoas bursae. |
Risks & Limitations
- Magnetic field safety: Pacemakers, cochlear implants, and some aneurysm clips may be contraindicated.
- Claustrophobia: Our wide-bore 70 cm scanner and on-demand sedation keep 97 % of patients comfortable.
- Cost: Slightly higher than X-ray but offset by superior diagnostic accuracy.
FAQs
How long does the scan take?
Around 20–30 minutes; add 10 minutes if contrast is required.
Is MRI knee painful?
No. You will feel no pain—only mild warmth if contrast dye is used.
When will I get my report?
Same day; reports and images are emailed & uploaded to our secure patient portal within 2 hours.
Can I eat before MRI knee?
Yes, unless your scan needs contrast dye—then fast for 4 hours.
What if I feel claustrophobic?
Tell our team. Wide-bore scanner + optional sedation keeps 97 % of patients relaxed.